Consider two cylinders of gas identical in all respects except that one contains O₂ and the other He. Both hold the same volume of gas at STP and are closed by a movable piston at one end. Both gases are now compressed adiabatically to one-third their original volume. Which gas will show the greater temperature increase?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The temperature increase during adiabatic compression depends on the heat capacity ratio (gamma, γ = Cp/Cv) of the gas. Helium (He), being a monatomic gas, has a lower heat capacity ratio than diatomic or polyatomic gases, meaning it will show a greater temperature increase when compressed adiabatically compared to O₂, assuming it represents a more complex molecule.

Consider Two Cylinders of Gas Identical in All Respects Except