A gas has a molar heat capacity at constant volume of 28.39 J/mol · K. Assume the equipartition theorem to be valid. How many degrees of freedom including translational) are there for the molecules of this gas? The ideal-gas law constant is R = 8.31 J/mol · K)

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The molar heat capacity at constant volume, Cv, is given by (f/2)R, where f is the degrees of freedom. Solving 28.39 J/mol·K = (f/2)(8.31 J/mol·K) gives f = 7.

A Gas Has a Molar Heat Capacity at Constant Volume