Physics Thermodynamics UHS 2023
PMDC Verified Question 18 of 54
An ideal gas has molar specific heat \(C_p\) at constant pressure. When the temperature of n moles is increased by \(\Delta T\) the increase in the internal energy is:
A
\(n C_p \Delta T\)
B
\(n (C_p - R) \Delta T\)
C
\(n (C_p + R) \Delta T\)
D
\(n (2C_p + R) \Delta T\)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option B: \(n (C_p - R) \Delta T\)
1. Concept:

The change in internal energy of an ideal gas strictly relies on its molar specific heat at constant volume (\(C_v\)), regardless of the thermodynamic process it undergoes.

2. Formula:

$$\Delta U = n C_v \Delta T \quad \text{and} \quad C_p - C_v = R$$

3. Solution:

  • We know internal energy depends on \(C_v\), so \(\Delta U = n C_v \Delta T\).


  • Using Mayer's relation, we can express \(C_v\) in terms of \(C_p\): \(C_v = C_p - R\).


  • Substituting this back into the internal energy equation gives: \(\Delta U = n (C_p - R) \Delta T\).


4. Why other options are incorrect:

Option \(n C_p \Delta T\) represents the total heat supplied (\(Q\)) at constant pressure, not just internal energy. Other options use incorrect mathematical variations of Mayer's relation.

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