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What is CP and CV?

GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer

Cp and Cv are heat capacities at constant pressure and constant volume:

  • Cp (constant pressure) - heat capacity when pressure stays constant; usually larger
  • Cv (constant volume) - heat capacity when volume stays constant; usually smaller

For ideal gases, the relationship is Cp - Cv = R (gas constant). Cp is always greater because energy is needed both to raise temperature and to do expansion work against constant pressure.

General · Class 12