Why is the Internal Energy of a Gas nCvdT?

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SUMMARY

The internal energy of a gas is defined as U = nCvdT, where Cv represents the molar heat capacity at constant volume. In an isovolumetric process, no work is performed, leading to the conclusion that the heat supplied equals the increase in internal energy, as stated by the first law of thermodynamics (δQ = dU). The relationship between heat capacities is established as Cp - Cv = R, where Cp is the molar heat capacity at constant pressure. This discussion provides a clear derivation of the internal energy equation and the distinctions between Cv and Cp.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics (δQ = dU + δW)
  • Familiarity with the concepts of heat capacity (Cv and Cp)
  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamic processes (isovolumetric and isobaric)
  • Comprehension of the ideal gas law (PV = nRT)
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the first law of thermodynamics in detail
  • Learn about the differences between molar heat capacities (Cv vs. Cp)
  • Explore the implications of the ideal gas law on thermodynamic processes
  • Investigate advanced thermodynamic concepts such as enthalpy and entropy
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Students and professionals in thermodynamics, physicists, and engineers seeking to deepen their understanding of gas behavior and energy transformations in thermodynamic systems.

vkash
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Internal of a gas is nCvdT. why it is nCvdT.do you know any simple proof or derivation for this.
 
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The heat capacity at constant volume is defined as the rate at which the heat changes with respect to temperature per mole. So for an infinitesimal change we can write.
##C_{v}=\frac{dQ}{dT} ##

In an isovolumetric process no work is done so dU=δQ as per the 1st law of Thermodynamics
so we can write the equation as

##U=nC_{v}dT =n \frac{dQ}{dT}_{v}dT =n \frac{dU}{dT}_{v}dT ##
 
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Cv is the molar heat capacity of a gas at constant volume and is defined as 'The heat energy required to warm 1 mole of a gas through one degree when its volume is kept constant'
Gases have 2 principal heat capacities. If the gas is kept at constant pressure then Cp is the molar heat capacity for gas at constant pressure.
When heat is supplied to a gas at constant volume no external work is done therefore all of the heat energy shows as a temperature change.
When heat is supplied to a gas at constant pressure some external work is done [P(V2 - V1)]
So for a temperature rise of 1 degree extra heat energy is required to provide the external work. This essentially means that Cp is greater than Cv and it can be shown that
Cp - Cv = R (the gas constant)
 
Vagn said:
The heat capacity at constant volume is defined as the rate at which the heat changes with respect to temperature per mole. So for an infinitesimal change we can write.
##C_{v}=\frac{dQ}{dT} ##

In an isovolumetric process no work is done so dU=δQ as per the 1st law of Thermodynamics
so we can write the equation as

##U=nC_{v}dT =n \frac{dQ}{dT}_{v}dT =n \frac{dU}{dT}_{v}dT ##
great, but there is dent in this, that is if process is not isobaric(isovolumetric) then?
technician said:
Cv is the molar heat capacity of a gas at constant volume and is defined as 'The heat energy required to warm 1 mole of a gas through one degree when its volume is kept constant'
Gases have 2 principal heat capacities. If the gas is kept at constant pressure then Cp is the molar heat capacity for gas at constant pressure.
When heat is supplied to a gas at constant volume no external work is done therefore all of the heat energy shows as a temperature change.
When heat is supplied to a gas at constant pressure some external work is done [P(V2 - V1)]
So for a temperature rise of 1 degree extra heat energy is required to provide the external work. This essentially means that Cp is greater than Cv and it can be shown that
Cp - Cv = R (the gas constant)
friend you seem to tell me that Cp-Cv=R. that is not what am i asking.

after all thanks to both guys,

I think i a just a beginner in thermodynamics. so proof of all these formula are out of my scope, I hope i will learn this formula in future.
 
1st thermodynamic law:

δQ= dU + δW.
Supposing we have the general form of U=U(T,V)
then its differential:
dU=\frac{\partial U(T,V)}{\partial T} dT + \frac{\partial U(T,V)}{\partial V} dV

and the work is δW=pdV

we go to the 1st law and replace δW and dU by the quantities we have above. We get:

δQ=\frac{\partial U(T,V)}{\partial T} dT + [\frac{\partial U(T,V)}{\partial V} + p ] dV

in case of dV=0 (V:const) you get
\frac{\partial U(T,V)}{\partial T} =δQ/dT \equiv Cv

From that you totally see that:

U= n Cv dT (for n moles now)

of course that is for Cv constant, which of course is true for ideal gases.
 
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Your original question was :
'Internal of a gas is nCvdT. why it is nCvdT.do you know any simple proof or derivation for this.'
The answer is :At constant volume no external work is done by (or on) the gas. Therefore the heat supplied = increase in internal energy.
To calculate the effect of heat supplied you nedd an 'SHC' equation
In general Heat energy = mass x SHC x temp change.
For a gas H = n x Cv x ΔT (n = number of moles rather than mass and C = molar heat capacity rather than specific heat capacity... specific means 'per kg')

If you need to know the equation for when the pressure is kept constant you need a different C... Cp. If you need something in between then you need something other than the principal Cv and Cp
 
The general equation for dU in terms of temperature and volume is:
dU=n C_V dT + n \left[ T \left({\partial P \over \partial T}\right)_V - P \right] dV
(See wikipedia)
This result can be derived from the general formula dU=TdS-PdV, which is in terms of entropy and volume.
I'll leave the proof for that out (for now).If you substitute the ideal gas law P={nRT \over V}, the requested result follows.
 
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In words:
Heat energy supplied = heat energy to raise temperature + heat energy converted to external work.(basically P x ΔV)
If there is no external work (constant vol) then
Heat energy = heat energy to raise temp
 

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