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 pressure increase?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pressure increase during adiabatic compression depends on the heat capacity ratio (γ = Cp/Cv), which is higher for monatomic gases (like He) than for polyatomic gases (like O₂, assuming it's a complex molecule). Helium, being monatomic, will show a greater pressure increase.

Consider Two Cylinders of Gas Identical in All Respects Except