Heat capacity question

[Harjas Sabharwal 1G]

When do we use the following equations/what do they mean?
Ideal gas, Cp = (5/2) R
Ideal gas, Cv = (3/2) R
and what does R refer to?

[Harsha 1J]

I think R refers to the gas constant

[Sarah Sharma 2J]

The following equations are used when the problem gives an ideal gas with either constant pressure (Cp) or constant volume (Cv). We multiply these numbers by the ideal gas constant in order to obtain the heat capacity if an ideal gas at either constant volume or pressure. :)

[Cassandra Mullen 1E]

You would use these equations in HW problem 8.31, since you are dealing with ideal gases at constant pressures/constant volumes. The gas constant R is 8.314 J/Kmol.

[Annie Lieu-1H]

R refers to the gas constant.

[Chris Lamb 1G]

These are ways to approximate the heat capacity of a gas without needing to be given experimental data.