A gas has a C_p of 28.8 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. What is its C_v? (R = 8.31 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹)
**Dalton's law of partial pressures** total pressure P_total = Σ P_i, P_i = X_i P_total, X_i mole tion, each gas exerts pressure as if alone, ideal gas mixture P_i V = n_i R T, partial pressure proportional to mole tion, e.g., air 79% N₂ 21% O₂ P_N₂=0.79 atm P_O₂=0.21 atm at 1 atm total. C_v = C_p - R.C_v = 28.8 - 8.31 = 20.49 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ ≈ 20.5 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹. Substituting values gives 20.5 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, which matches expected kinetic theory result, confirming mean free path λ = 1/(√2 n π d²), ideal gas law P V = n R T
Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory > Partial Pressures and Gas Mixtures