Ratio of specific heats
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The adiabatic index always exceeds unity; for a [[polytropic gas]] it is constant.{{fact}} For [[monatomic gas]] <math>\gamma=5/3</math>, and for [[diatomic gases]] <math>\gamma=7/5</math>, at ordinary [[temperatures]].{{fact}} For air its value is close to that of a diatomic gas, 7/5 = 1.4.{{fact}} | The adiabatic index always exceeds unity; for a [[polytropic gas]] it is constant.{{fact}} For [[monatomic gas]] <math>\gamma=5/3</math>, and for [[diatomic gases]] <math>\gamma=7/5</math>, at ordinary [[temperatures]].{{fact}} For air its value is close to that of a diatomic gas, 7/5 = 1.4.{{fact}} | ||
| - | Sometimes <math>\kappa</math> is used instead of <math>\gamma</math> to denote the | + | Sometimes <math>k</math> or <math>\kappa</math> is used instead of <math>\gamma</math> to denote the specific heat ratio. |
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Latest revision as of 20:03, 15 August 2007
The ratio of specific heats (also known as adiabatic index), usually denoted by 
, is the ratio of specific heat at constant pressure to the specific heat at constant volume.
The adiabatic index always exceeds unity; for a polytropic gas it is constant. For monatomic gas 
, and for diatomic gases 
, at ordinary temperatures. For air its value is close to that of a diatomic gas, 7/5 = 1.4.
Sometimes 
or 
is used instead of to denote the specific heat ratio.
