"The specific heat of an ideal gas at constant pressure C_p is greater than the specific heat of a gas at constant volume C_v." Which of the following describes this statement? A)The statement is true because there is always more gas at constant pressure. B)The statement is true because,to raise the temperature of a gas at constant pressure,work must be done by the gas. C)The statement is true because,to raise the temperature of a gas at constant volume,work must be done by the gas. D)The statement is not true; C_v C_p. E)The statement is not true; C_p = C_v.

Question

"The specific heat of an ideal gas at constant pressure C_p is greater than the specific heat of a gas at constant volume C_v." Which of the following describes this statement? A)The statement is true because there is always more gas at constant pressure. B)The statement is true because,to raise the temperature of a gas at constant pressure,work must be done by the gas. C)The statement is true because,to raise the temperature of a gas at constant volume,work must be done by the gas. D)The statement is not true; C_v > C_p. E)The statement is not true; C_p = C_v.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is true because when heating an ideal gas at constant pressure, the gas expands doing work on the surroundings, which requires more heat energy input to raise the temperature of the gas. In contrast, when heating an ideal gas at constant volume, no work is done by the gas, and thus less heat energy is required to increase the temperature, resulting in a lower specific heat. Therefore, the statement is supported by the fact that at constant pressure, more work is done and therefore more heat energy is needed to raise the temperature of the gas.

"The Specific Heat of an Ideal Gas at Constant Pressure