The specific heat of an ideal gas at constant pressure is greater than the specific heat of an ideal gas at constant volume because
A) work is done by a gas at constant pressure.
B) work is done by a gas at constant volume.
C) no work is done by a gas at constant pressure.
D) the temperature remains constant for a gas at constant pressure.
E) the temperature remains constant for a gas at constant volume.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At constant pressure, the gas can expand and do work on its surroundings, which requires energy. This means that more energy (heat) must be added to the system in order to raise the temperature by a certain amount compared to a constant volume process where no work is done. Therefore, the specific heat at constant pressure is greater than the specific heat at constant volume.

The Specific Heat of an Ideal Gas at Constant Pressure