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Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Molar Heat Capacity

The heat energy required to raise the temperature of one mole of a substance by one Kelvin.

Governing formula C_m = Q / (n ΔT), C_p - C_v = R
SI unit J/(mol·K)

In depth

For ideal gases, Mayer's relation states $C_p - C_v = R$. Constant-pressure heat capacity $C_p$ exceeds $C_v$ because gas does expansion work during constant-pressure heating.

Examples in the real world

Constant-volume molar heat capacity of monoatomic helium gas equal to $C_v = 1.5 R ≈ 12.47 J/(mol·K)$.