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Heat Capacity Confusion

Started by SKation
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SKation

Full Member
7+ Year Member
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Hello,

I am slightly confused about the two different types of heat capacity mentioned in the examcrackers book pg. 80. I understand the difference when they compare them to gas however when they introduce the solids and liquids it throws me off. It states" For a solid or liquid that experiences a very little change in volume there is a more important reason why constant volume and pressure heat capacities differ. Small changes in the intermolecular distances result in large changes in intermolecular potential energy. Intermolecular potential energy does not effect temperature, and thus heat is absorbed at constant pressure with less change in temp. than when heat is absorbed at constant volume."

-What role does the intermolecular forces play in this concept?

Thanks In Advance!