Question Details

Which one among the following is the correct option for right relationship between CP and CV for one mole of ideal gas ?

Options

A

CP = RCV

B

CV = RCP

C

CP + CV = R

D

CP − CV = R

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option D

CP − CV = R

CP − CV = R

Solution :

For one mole of an ideal gas we start from the definitions of the molar heat capacities:

CV = \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_V
CP = \left(\frac{\partial H}{\partial T}\right)_P

where U is the internal energy, H is the enthalpy, T is temperature, and the subscripts indicate the variable held constant.

For an ideal gas the internal energy depends only on temperature, so U = U(T). The enthalpy is defined as

H = U + PV

and for one mole of an ideal gas the equation of state gives PV = RT. Substituting, we obtain

H = U + RT

Now differentiate H with respect to T at constant pressure:

\frac{\partial H}{\partial T}\bigg|_P = \frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\bigg|_P + R

Since U depends only on T, the partial derivative of U with respect to T is the same whether pressure or volume is held constant, i.e.

\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\bigg|_P = \frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\bigg|_V = CV

Therefore the expression for CP becomes

CP = CV + R

Rearranging this relationship yields the required result:

CP − CV = R

This equation shows the difference between the molar heat capacities at constant pressure and constant volume for a single mole of an ideal gas is exactly the universal gas constant R.

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