Question

What is \( C_v \) for a monoatomic gas?

Hint:

For a monoatomic ideal gas, \( C_v = \frac{3}{2} R \), which is derived from the translational degrees of freedom.

Answer 1

For a monoatomic ideal gas, the molar heat capacity at constant volume is a standard textbook result: \( C_v = \dfrac{3}{2}R \), reflecting that each monoatomic molecule stores energy only in its three translational directions of motion.