Formula Used:
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Definition: The ratio of molar heat capacity (γ) is the ratio of the specific heat of the gas at a constant pressure to its specific heat at a constant volume.
Purpose: This ratio is important in thermodynamics for understanding adiabatic processes and the behavior of ideal gases.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula relates the heat capacity at constant pressure to the heat capacity difference between constant pressure and constant volume.
Details: This ratio is crucial for calculating the speed of sound in gases, understanding adiabatic processes, and analyzing thermodynamic cycles.
Tips: Enter the molar specific heat capacity at constant pressure in J/(K·mol). The value must be greater than the universal gas constant (8.314 J/(K·mol)).
Q1: What is the physical significance of γ?
A: γ determines how much a gas will heat up when compressed adiabatically and is important in many thermodynamic processes.
Q2: What are typical values of γ for common gases?
A: For monatomic gases (like He, Ne), γ ≈ 1.67; for diatomic gases (like N2, O2), γ ≈ 1.4.
Q3: Why must Cp be greater than R?
A: Thermodynamically, Cp is always greater than Cv by exactly R, so Cp must be greater than R.
Q4: How is this related to the adiabatic index?
A: The ratio of molar heat capacity (γ) is exactly the same as the adiabatic index used in adiabatic process equations.
Q5: Can this be used for real gases?
A: The formula is exact for ideal gases and a good approximation for real gases at moderate conditions.