On the Einstein–Stern model of rotational heat capacities

Abstract

The Einstein-Stern model for the rotational contribution to the heat capacity of a diatomic gas has recently been resuscitated. In this communication, we show that the apparent success of the model is illusory, because it is based on what has turned out to be an unfortunate comparison with experiment. We also take exception to the possibility of assigning any meaning to the rotational zero-point energy introduced by the model.

New Thermodynamics: Global Warming and Man’s Activities

“…Of interest is that numerous theories as to why known/measured heat capacities for diatomic gases do not match traditionally accepted kinetic theory have been presented [9,10,11,12,13,14]. These include: a) Diatomic gases also have no rotational energy b) Diatomic gases have no vibrational energy Of course none of the above somewhat illogical exceptions is required for this author's new kinetic theory to match known empirical findings.…”