Water anomaly -- Heat capacities

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between the specific heat at constant pressure (Cp) and the specific heat at constant volume (Cv) for an ideal gas and more general homogeneous substances. It is noted that for gases, Cp is always greater than Cv, and this can be explained by the Mayer's relation which shows that the work done at constant pressure includes not only an increase in temperature but also an increase in volume. Additionally, for different phases, the specific heat at constant pressure is always greater than or equal to the specific heat at constant volume.
  • #1
LagrangeEuler
717
20
From relation
[tex]C_p-C_v=[P+(\frac{\partial U}{\partial V})_T](\frac{\partial V}{\partial T})_P[/tex]
In case of water ##(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T})_P<0## so ##C_p<C_v##? Right?
 
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  • #2
LagrangeEuler said:
From relation
[tex]C_p-C_v=[P+(\frac{\partial U}{\partial V})_T](\frac{\partial V}{\partial T})_P[/tex]
In case of water ##(\frac{\partial V}{\partial T})_P<0## so ##C_p<C_v##? Right?
(∂V/∂T)P is the amount of work done.
If we consider this amount of work done, in Cp, i.e, at constant pressure heat is absorbed and work is done, not only to increase the temperature of the gas (or the Substance) but also to increase the volume of the gas (Which, isn't constant here) which includes increasing both potential energies of the molecules and doing work against outside pressure, if any.For Cv, the whole of the energy spent and work done in terms of increase in volume is absent as this is done at constant volume. thus less work in done here. Hence, for gases, Cp>Cv.
P.S:
Mayer's Relation
Mayer derived a relation between specific heat at constant pressure and the specific heat at constant volume for an ideal gas. The relation is:

fcb51fbe67811de0312ab9aa406e4a60.png
,

where CP,m is the specific heat at constant pressure, CV,m is the specific heat at constant volume and R is the gas constant.

For more general homogeneous substances( which can be water), not just ideal gases, the difference takes the form,

d4ee6d4542130160b201991e75cc0c43.png

(see relations between heat capacities), where
9d5c5761a7454b5c7eaacae523a5704f.png
is the heat capacity of a body at constant pressure,
22151977c6d6a3d9d14caed2a5afaef5.png
is the heat capacity at constant volume,
5206560a306a2e085a437fd258eb57ce.png
is the volume,
b9ece18c950afbfa6b0fdbfa4ff731d3.png
is the temperature,
071997f13634882f823041b057f90923.png
is the thermal expansion coefficient and
3aaeac3c3684ef427a25ed04dd8fe956.png
is the isothermal compressibility.

From this relation, several inferences can be made:

  • Since isothermal compressibility
    3aaeac3c3684ef427a25ed04dd8fe956.png
    is positive for all phases and the square of thermal expansion coefficient
    a0d0d432dab07f6f48d729d730b2a497.png
    is a positive quantity or zero, the specific heat at constant-pressure is always greater than or equal to specific heat at constant-volume.
08a5990da9348b7bd1cf38a9b93e7a81.png
d06d73293ea32235c90ac400799011b7.png
 
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FAQ: Water anomaly -- Heat capacities

What is the water anomaly?

The water anomaly refers to the fact that the heat capacity of water is higher than most other liquids. This means that it takes more energy to raise the temperature of water compared to other substances.

Why is the heat capacity of water considered an anomaly?

The heat capacity of water is considered an anomaly because most substances follow a linear relationship between temperature and heat capacity. However, water's heat capacity increases as it approaches its boiling point, and then decreases as it turns to steam.

How does the water anomaly affect the Earth's climate?

The high heat capacity of water plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate. It helps to moderate temperature changes by absorbing and releasing large amounts of heat, which helps to regulate the Earth's overall temperature.

What causes the water anomaly?

The water anomaly is caused by the unique structure and composition of water molecules. The arrangement of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in a water molecule allows it to form strong hydrogen bonds, which contribute to its high heat capacity.

Is the water anomaly important for any practical applications?

Yes, the water anomaly has several practical applications. It is important in industries such as food production, where precise temperature control is necessary. It also plays a role in weather patterns, ocean currents, and the formation of ice on Earth's surface.

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