Abstract
Abstract The equipartition of energy in its simplest form, which is related to the translational motion of the molecules of a gas, was announced independently by Waterston in 1845 and by Clausius in 1857. In its more general form, it was formulated by Maxwell in 1860. Together with the relation between pressure and translational motion, given by the kinetic theory of gases, one can derive the equation of state of an ideal gas. One can also derive the Avogadro law, a fundamental law of physical chemistry as stated by Meyer and Mendeleev. From the equipartition of energy Boltzmann could explain the experimental ratio γ of the specific heats of diatomic gases, an explanation that was countered by Maxwell. We discuss these two conflicting explanation, and present an account and a critical analysis of the emergence of the law of equipartition of energy and other laws that preceded it but are understood as consequences or related to it. Our account includes also the Laplace relation between the speed of sound and γ, and the Clement and Desormes experiment to determine γ.
Highlights
Around 1877, Maxwell and Boltzmann were involved with the explanation concerning the specific heat of ideal gases consisting of diatomic molecules [1, 2]
This time should be understood as related to ideal gases. These include the law stating that pressure is inversely proportional to its volume established by Boyle, [7], the law of gas expansion and the volume law of chemical combination introduced by Gay-Lussac [8], and the molecular hypothesis postulated by Avogadro [9], The ratio γ between specific heats was the essential feature of Laplace explanation of the velocity of sound in gases [10]
In addition to the translational motion, the molecules could have other types of motion such as rotation and vibration motions, which Clausius called motions of the constituents. This aspect was essential in the description of the specific heat of gases composed by diatomic molecules
Summary
Around 1877, Maxwell and Boltzmann were involved with the explanation concerning the specific heat of ideal gases consisting of diatomic molecules [1, 2]. This time should be understood as related to ideal gases These include the law stating that pressure is inversely proportional to its volume established by Boyle, [7], the law of gas expansion and the volume law of chemical combination introduced by Gay-Lussac [8], and the molecular hypothesis postulated by Avogadro [9], The ratio γ between specific heats was the essential feature of Laplace explanation of the velocity of sound in gases [10].
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