Question

assuming ideal gas behavior, could you tell the difference between CO2 and SO2 with only the knowledge of the ratio of Cp/Cv for each gas? Explain

Answer 1

Ideal gas law:

Ideal gas is defined as one in which all collissions between atoms or molecules are perfectly elastic and in which there are no intemolecular attractiv forces.

Heat capacity ratio:

Heat capacity ratio or the Ratio of specific heats is the ratio of Heat capacity at constant pressure (C_p) to the heat capacity at constant volume (C_V).

   = C_P/Cv

_{where c is the heat capacity and P and V are the constant pressure and volume respectively.}

_{Heat capacity of CO2=} C_P/C_v

C_P of CO₂ =0.85

C_v of CO_{2 =} 0.65

C_P/C_V = 0.85/0.65 = 1.307

Heat caoacity of SO_{2    =} C_P/C_V

C_P of SO_{2 =} 0.64

C_V of SO_{2 =} 0.51

C_P/ C_V   = 0.64/0.51

= 1.25

Heat capacity of CO₂ = 1.307

Heat capacity of SO₂ = 1.25