The Determination of Heat Capacity Ratios in a Simple Open System

Glen L. Holden
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pure and Applied Science, The College of The Bahamas, Nassau, N.P., Bahamas
J. Chem. Educ., 2007, 84 (3), p 513
DOI: 10.1021/ed084p513
Publication Date (Web): March 1, 2007
History, Education, and Documentation

Abstract

A virtually closed system is treated as open and compared to known results. The classic experiment of Clement and Desormes provides the conceptual framework for this open system approach in determining the molar heat capacity ratios, λ. This alternate view, extends the theoretical treatment beyond the first law of thermodynamics for closed systems, utilizing both an energy and entropy balance, offering an opportunity to test the value of this perspective against historical methods. The arbitrary choice of the system and its boundaries is shown to affect the nature and magnitude of the work terms, along with the accompanying simplifications in the fundamental equation.

Keywords (Audience):

Upper-Division Undergraduate

Keywords (Domain):

Physical Chemistry

Keywords (Feature):

Advanced Chemistry Classroom and Laboratory

Keywords (Pedagogy):

Problem Solving / Decision Making

Keywords (Subject):

Gases
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History

  • Received: August 03, 2009

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