In addition to the overall motion of molecules that is associated with temperatures some molecules can absorb large amounts of energy in the form of internal vibrations and rotations of the molecules themselves. Would you expect materials composed of such molecules to have a high or a low specific heat capacity? Why?
To identify: Whether the molecules can be expected to have high or low specific heat capacity.
Answer to Problem 36A
High specific heat capacity because they are more capable of storing energy.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
Higher the specific heat of a substance, the more heat and energy can be consumed by the substance.
More the vibrations in the material, the more would be the energy released by a molecule, and the same would be absorbed. This will lead to greater absorption of energy by the molecules of a substance. Thus, one which has a higher heat absorption capacity can sustain these collisions and energy is released by it.
Conclusion:
Therefore, the higher specific heat of a material is required to store more energy not only with the collisions but also with the translations and rotational symmetries.
Chapter 21 Solutions
Conceptual Physics: The High School Physics Program
Additional Science Textbook Solutions
Essential University Physics: Volume 1 (3rd Edition)
The Cosmic Perspective (8th Edition)
Physics (5th Edition)
Conceptual Physics (12th Edition)
Conceptual Physical Science (6th Edition)
College Physics (10th Edition)
- College PhysicsPhysicsISBN:9781305952300Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris VuillePublisher:Cengage LearningUniversity Physics (14th Edition)PhysicsISBN:9780133969290Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. FreedmanPublisher:PEARSONIntroduction To Quantum MechanicsPhysicsISBN:9781107189638Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.Publisher:Cambridge University Press
- Physics for Scientists and EngineersPhysicsISBN:9781337553278Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. JewettPublisher:Cengage LearningLecture- Tutorials for Introductory AstronomyPhysicsISBN:9780321820464Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina BrissendenPublisher:Addison-WesleyCollege Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...PhysicsISBN:9780134609034Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart FieldPublisher:PEARSON