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Is the formula DeltaU=nCvDeltaT, only applicable to ideal gases, if so can you point out in the derivation of this formula what thing do we assume that makes this formula only applicable for ideal gases? can i say this is because in the definition of cv which id the total heat transfer per temperature difference per mole, we assume that the heat is only going to the kinetic energy hence ideal?
Accepted Answer
Yes, the formula DeltaU=nCvDeltaT is only applicable to ideal gases.
In the derivation of this formula, we make several assumptions that are only valid for ideal gases.
1. No intermolecular forces: Ideal gases are assumed to have no intermolecular forces. This means that the molecules do not interact with each other and that their motion is completely random.
2. No change in volume: The volume of an ideal gas is assumed to be constant.
With these assumptions, we can derive the formula DeltaU=nCvDeltaT, where:
- DeltaU is the change in internal energy
- n is the number of moles of gas
- Cv is the molar specific heat at constant volume
- DeltaT is the change in temperature.
The above formula is only valid for ideal gases. For real gases, we need to take into account the intermolecular forces and the change in volume.
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