Ratio of Specific Heats of a Gas

A cylinder is filled with air and a Pressure Sensor is attached. The piston is plucked by hand and allowed to oscillate. The oscillating pressure is recorded as a function of time and the period is determined. The ratio of specific heat capacities is calculated using the period of oscillation, according to Ruchhardt's method.

Grade Level: College

Subject: Physics

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Featured Equipment

Heat Engine Gas Law Apparatus

Heat Engine and Gas Law Apparatus

This functioning heat engine can be used to perform quantitative Ideal Gas Law experiments.

Ratio of Specific Heat Experiment

Ratio of Specific Heats Experiment

The complete solution for determining the ratio of specific heat capacities for air by measuring the period of oscillation of the piston in a cylinder filled with air.

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