Question

Explain why Cp is greater than Cv.

Answer 1

Cp and Cv:

1. The molar heat capacity at constant pressure is Cp.
2. Cv is the molar heat capacity at constant volume.

Reasons why Cp is greater than Cv:

1. When gas is heated at a constant volume, it increases the internal energy of the system.
2. When a gas is heated at constant pressure, expansion in the volume with an increase in the internal energy of the system takes place.

Hence, Cp is greater than Cv.