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QPages 76-77: Q4: HC Verma: Concepts of Physics - Volume 2 Specific Heat Capacities of Gases Pages 76-77: Q4 Solution: Let and denote the molar heat capacities of an ideal gas at…

⚠️ Common Exam Traps & Conceptual Pitfalls

Students frequently assume the heat‑capacity ratio $\gamma=C_p/C_v$ is a universal constant, but it depends on the gas’s degrees of freedom; only the difference $C_p-C_v=R$ holds for all ideal gases.

Let CvC_v and CpC_p denote the molar heat capacities of an ideal gas at constant volume and constant pressure respectively. Which of the following is a universal constant?

Multiple Choice Options

  • A Cp/CvC_p/C_v
  • B CpCvC_p C_v
  • C Cp−CvC_p - C_v
  • D Cp+CvC_p + C_v

Step-by-Step Verified Solution

**Answer:** (c) C_p - C_v. **Step-by-Step Explanation:** C_p - C_v = R, which is a universal constant for all ideal gases.

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