1. What is Specific Gas Constant?

The specific gas constant (R_s) is the universal gas constant (R) divided by the molar mass (M) of the gas. It is a property of a particular gas and appears in the ideal gas law when expressed in mass basis rather than mole basis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the specific gas constant formula:

Where:

• \( R_s \) — Specific gas constant (J/kg·K)
• \( R \) — Universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K)
• \( M \) — Molar mass of the gas (kg/mol)

Explanation: The specific gas constant relates the energy scale to the temperature scale for a given substance.

3. Importance of Specific Gas Constant

Details: The specific gas constant is essential in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics calculations, particularly when working with the ideal gas law in mass-based systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the molar mass of the gas in kg/mol. The value must be valid (molar mass > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between R and R_s?
A: R is the universal gas constant (same for all ideal gases), while R_s is specific to each gas.

Q2: What are typical values of R_s?
A: For air it's about 287 J/kg·K, for water vapor 461.5 J/kg·K, varying by substance.

Q3: What units should be used?
A: Molar mass must be in kg/mol to get R_s in J/kg·K.

Q4: Does this work for real gases?
A: It's exact for ideal gases and approximate for real gases at moderate conditions.

Q5: How is this used in engineering?
A: It's used in calculations involving gas properties, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics.