Question

Deduce the relation cp-cv=R for an ideal gas

Answer 1

The relationship between CP and CV for an Ideal Gas

From the equation q = n C ∆T, we can say:

At constant pressure P, we have

qP = n CP∆T

This value is equal to the change in enthalpy, that is,

qP = n CP∆T = ∆H

Similarly, at constant volume V, we have

qV = n CV∆T

This value is equal to the change in internal energy, that is,

qV = n CV∆T = ∆U

We know that for one mole (n=1) of an ideal gas,

∆H = ∆U + ∆(pV ) = ∆U + ∆(RT) = ∆U + R ∆T

Therefore, ∆H = ∆U + R ∆T

Substituting the values of ∆H and ∆U from above in the former equation,

CP∆T = CV∆T + R ∆T

CP = CV + R

CP – CV = R