Constant pressure and constant volume?

AI Thread Summary
A thermodynamic system cannot simultaneously exist under both constant volume and constant pressure at a specific instant, as this would lead to contradictions in the definitions of these states. While it is theoretically possible for a system to undergo a process where pressure and volume remain unchanged, this typically involves other parameters changing. The discussion highlights that zero thermal expansion materials can exhibit unique properties under specific conditions, but these are rare. In practical terms, a sealed gas canister may maintain constant pressure and volume, but this does not apply universally. Ultimately, the nuances of thermodynamic principles dictate that simultaneous constant volume and pressure at a single moment is not feasible.
Federer33
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Can a thermodynamic system simultaneously exist under both constant volume and constant pressure at a particular instant. I mean , when the system is under constant pressure condition, can we impose constant volume on the system. Please clear my doubt. I don't know if it's a silly question, but eating my brain.
 
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It's possible, but pretty uncommon. Equivalently this says that the thermal expansion (∂V/∂T)P vanishes. If you Google "zero thermal expansion" you'll find a few articles where such a material has been created. Otherwise the only time the thermal expansion vanishes is at absolute zero.
 
Sure. It just means that you also have constant temperature.
 
Wouldn't a sealed uncooled canister of gas, such as a helium tank at a party store, be at a constant pressure and constant volume? Or is there something else to the problem I don't see?
 
Federer33 said:
Can a thermodynamic system simultaneously exist under both constant volume and constant pressure at a particular instant.
If by "constant" you mean constant in time, the specification underlined will make it a nonsense.
Either you mean "uniform" (that means no spatial variation) or you mean a process and not an instant.

A process with no change in pressure or volume may be possible, for a general system. Other parameters may change. For ideal gas you may have a system which variable number of particles.
 
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