Specific HeatHardQuestion 31057
Question
Why Cv of monatomic gas (3R/2) is less than diatomic (5R/2)?
- AMonatomic molecules are heavier
- BDiatomic has extra rotational energy storage modesCorrect
- CPressure is higher for diatomic
- DMonatomic atoms vibrate more
Correct answer
Diatomic has extra rotational energy storage modes
Explanation
Monatomic: 3 translational DOF → Cv = 3R/2. Diatomic: 3 translational + 2 rotational DOF → Cv = 5R/2. More modes = larger Cv.