An ideal gas is made of polyatomic molecules. Each of the molecules has three translational, three rotational and f number of vibrational modes. If the ratio of heat capacities CP/CV of the gas is 8/7, then the value of f is:
- 1
- 4
- 3
- 2
Answer
(2) 4
Solution
Each translational and rotational mode contributes 12R to CV, while each vibrational mode contributes R to CV:
CV = 3 ( 12R ) + 3 ( 12R ) + fR = (3 + f)R
CP = CV + R = (4 + f)R
Given:
CPCV = 4 + f3 + f = 87
7(4 + f) = 8(3 + f)
28 + 7f = 24 + 8f f = 4
Answer: (2)