Specific Heat of Gases
Faculty Sponsor
Stan Zygmunt
College
Arts and Sciences
Discipline(s)
Physics
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 5-3-2019
Abstract
The purpose of this project is to measure the specific heat capacities of monatomic and diatomic gases (specifically helium and nitrogen) at constant volume, in order to compare these values with predictions made for ideal gases. Equipment utilized includes a Styrofoam container, a resistor to transfer thermal energy to the gas, and a thermocouple in order to measure the temperature as a function of time for the gas as it absorbs heat. From the slope of the T(t) graph, the specific heat capacity can be determined. Error corrections include accounting for thermal energy losses through the walls of the container as well as the heating of the resistor and the thermocouple.
Recommended Citation
Bradash, Sarah, "Specific Heat of Gases" (2019). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 818.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/818
Biographical Information about Author(s)
Name: Sarah Bradash
Year: Senior
My background in chemistry and physics dates back to the fall of 2012 (introductory high school chemistry).which provided introduction to thermodynamics, expanded upon throughout my collegiate studies. My project involves experimentally solving for specific heat of monatomic and diatomic gases, which was one of my favourite topics to study. In terms of my future academic pursuits, I plan on studying either particle or nuclear physics with a focus on collider experimentation.