MOL-007 · Molecular-kinetic theory Sample material

Heat capacity of gases. Degrees of freedom

Degrees of freedom of molecules, equipartition of energy over degrees of freedom, heat capacity of monatomic and polyatomic gases, heat capacity of gas mixtures and the limits of the classical theory.

Estimated time: 3 h 5 activities

Learning objective

Learn to identify translational, rotational and vibrational degrees of freedom.
Understand the equipartition theorem.
Derive $C_V$, $C_p$ and $\gamma$ for monatomic, diatomic and polyatomic gases.
Learn to calculate the heat capacity of a gas mixture.

Expected outcomes

Determines the number of degrees of freedom $i$ from the structure of a molecule.
Calculates the internal energy of an ideal gas and its change.
Finds the molar and specific heat capacities and $\gamma$ of a mixture.
Explains the temperature dependence of the heat capacity of hydrogen from the quantum point of view.

Interactive modelDegrees of freedom of a molecule

Activities

Lecture
Lecture · 1 h 20 min · required
Problem solving on the topic "Internal energy of an ideal gas"
Practice · 1 h 20 min · required
Determination of the ratio of specific heats of gases Cp/Cv
Laboratory · 2 h 15 min · optional
Heat capacity of a gas mixture
Self-study · 6 h · optional
Final test
Test · 20 min · required · pass ≥ 70%

Completion conditions

  • Lecture
  • Problem solving on the topic "Internal energy of an ideal gas"
  • Final test — at least 70%