Practice question
Question
A gas has a C_v of 20.8 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. What is the ratio of specific heats (gamma)? (R = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹)
Explanation
**Molar specific heat** from equipartition C_v = f/2 R, C_p = f/2 R + R, γ = C_p/C_v =1+2/f, for f=3 γ=1.67, f=5 γ=1.4, f=6 γ=1.33, explaining specific heat variation with molecular structure, degrees of freedom determine heat capacity. C_p = C_v + R = 20.8 + 8.31 = 29.11 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹.γ = (C_p)/(C_v) = (29.11)/(20.8) ≈ 1.40. Substituting values gives 1.40, which matches expected kinetic theory result, confirming mean free path λ = 1/(√2 n π d²), ideal gas law P V = n R T and v_rms = √(3 R T/M) relations.
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