--%>

What is heat capacity and how to calculate heat capacity

The temperature reliance of internal energy and enthalpy depends on the heat capacities at constant volume and constant pressure.


The internal energy and enthalpy of chemical systems and the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions depend on the temperature. To make full use of the thermodynamic date we developed, we must see how these data are extended to temperatures other than 25°C.

Heat capacities; it is convenient to deal separately constant pressure processes when the temperature is raised and the energy of the system increases. The heat capacity, already introduced and experimentally determined, as the decrease in the energy of the thermal surroundings that provides the energy to increase the temperature of the system by 1°C, under the specified conditions. Thus we define

1966_heat capacity.png 

And 

68_heat capacity1.png 

If you think of an actual measurement, you see that to increase the temperature of the system, i.e. for ΔT to be positive, there will be a decrease in the energy of the thermal surroundings, that is, ΔUtherm will be negative. The definitions are then being seen to make heat capacities positive quantities.

Heat capacities at constant pressure CP will be used more than will heat capacities at constant volume CV. Some values for CP are given for a temperature of 25°C. All these values for liquids and solids come from experimental, calorimetric studies that depend on the defining equation. Some of the values for gases are experimental, and others are based on calculations of the type of physical properties.

Heat capacities can be used to extend the 25°C thermodynamic quantities to other temperatures. To do so, we will need heat capacity values over a range of temperatures. An analytical expression, rather than a table of values, is needed for most of the calculations we will do. The two empirical CP versus T expressions that have been most used are

CP = a' + b't + c'T2 + ....

And, CP = a + bT + cT-2 + ...

The second of these two forms is more satisfactory. The coefficients that have been deduced for this equation are given for a few substances.

Heat capacities and internal energies and enthalpies: heat capacities, defined in terms of energy changes in the thermal surroundings, can be expressed in terms energy changes in the system.

If any ordinary chemical process occurs and the system has a constant volume ΔUmech = 0 and ΔU = -ΔUtherm, we can express CV as

2156_heat capacity2.png 

If the system is maintained at a constant pressure, ΔH = - ΔUtherm. We can express CP as

190_heat capacity3.png 

Heat capacities in J K-1 mol-1 at constant pressure (parameters for the equation C°P = (a + bT + cT-2):

327_heat capacity4.png 

Heat capacities are characteristics of the system. They are directly linked to the way the internal energy and enthalpy change with temperature when the volume or pressure of the system is correctly controlled.

   Related Questions in Chemistry

  • Q : Colligative property related question

    Select the right answer of the question. Which of the following is not a colligative property : (a) Osmotic pressure (b) Elevation in B.P (c) Vapour pressure (d) Depression in freezing point

  • Q : Question based on vapour pressure and

    Give me answer of this question. The vapour pressure of water at 20degreeC is 17.54 mm. When 20g of a non-ionic, substance is dissolved in 100g of water, the vapour pressure is lowered by 0.30 mm. What is the molecular weight of the substances: (a) 210.2 (b) 206.88

  • Q : Vapour pressure of methanol in water

    Give me answer of this question. An aqueous solution of methanol in water has vapour pressure: (a) Equal to that of water (b) Equal to that of methanol (c) More than that of water (d) Less than that of water

  • Q : Describe Point Groups. For any

    For any symmetric object there is a set of symmetry operations that, together, constitute a mathematical group, called a point group.It is clear from the examples that most molecules have several elements of symmetry. The H2O

  • Q : What are homogenous catalyst? Give few

    When a catalyst mixes homogeneously with the reactants and forms a single phase, the catalyst is said to be homogeneous and this type of catalysis is called homogeneous catalysis. Some more examples of homogeneous catalysis are:    SO2

  • Q : Pressure and power for adiabatic

    a) Air flowing at 1 m3/s enters an adiabatic compressor at 20°C and 1 bar. It exits at 200°C. The isentropic efficiency of the compressor is 80%. Calculate the exit pressure and the power required. b) Steam enter

  • Q : Relationship between Pressure and

    The pressure-temperature relation for solid-vapor or liquid vapor equilibrium is expressed by the Clausis-Clapeyron equation.We now obtain an expression for the pressure-temperature dependence of the state of equilibrium between two phases. To be specific,

  • Q : Quantum Mechanical Operators The

    The quantum mechanical methods, illustrated previously by the Schrödinger equation, are extended by the use of operators. Or, w

  • Q : Molality of a glucose solution What

    What will be the molality of a solution containing 18g of glucose (having mol. wt. = 180) dissolved in 500g of water: (i) 1m  (ii) 0.5m  (iii) 0.2m  (iv) 2m

  • Q : Whether HCl is a base or an acid

    Whether HCl is a base or an acid? Briefly state your comments?