I Understanding Heat Capacity and Work: Clarifying Misconceptions

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Heat capacity is defined as the relationship between temperature change and heat change, typically under the assumption that the system does no work. This assumption raises questions about the accuracy of heat capacity measurements in real-world scenarios where work is done. The distinction between constant volume heat capacity (c_v) and constant pressure heat capacity (c_p) is crucial, with c_p being larger, indicating that work is performed by the system. Understanding these concepts helps clarify how heat capacity is affected by the system's conditions. Accurate comprehension of heat capacity is essential for thermodynamic calculations and applications.
Ahmed1029
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In defining the heat capacity of a subatance as the constant relating change in temperature to change in heat, is it assumed that the system does no work? Does it really say (heat capacity is the constant relating heat change to temperature change when the system does no work)?
 
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There is a ##c_v## and a ##c_p##. The latter is larger -- that is an indication the system does work.

##\ ##
 

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