OBJECT: To measure the ratio of the specific heats of air at constant pressure and constant volume according to the method of Clement and Desormes.
METHOD: A mass of dry air under a small pressure is enclosed in a large vessel having a gas tight valve. The valve is opened for an instant permitting the pressure to “become atmospheric” and causing the temperature to be reduced. After the valve is closed, the gas warms up to room temperature and the pressure increases. From a knowledge of the initial and final pressures, the ratio of the specific heats is obtained.
