How can heat change if temp is constant?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter toesockshoe
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Change Constant Heat
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

An isothermal process occurs when the temperature remains constant, yet heat (Q), work (W), and change in internal energy (ΔU) are not zero. The equation Q=mcΔT applies under specific conditions and assumes no significant change in volume, which does not hold true in all scenarios. In the case of isothermal expansion of an ideal gas, the relationship simplifies to Q = W, indicating that heat can be transferred even when temperature does not change.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic processes, specifically isothermal processes.
  • Familiarity with the first law of thermodynamics.
  • Knowledge of the ideal gas law and its implications.
  • Basic grasp of heat transfer concepts.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of isothermal processes in thermodynamics.
  • Learn about the first law of thermodynamics and its applications.
  • Investigate the ideal gas law and its relevance to heat transfer.
  • Explore detailed examples of heat transfer during isothermal expansion.
USEFUL FOR

Students of thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and professionals in engineering fields focusing on heat transfer and energy systems.

toesockshoe
Messages
265
Reaction score
2
In my textbook it says an isothermal process occurs when the temperature is constant. It also said taht typically, Q,W, and delta U are not 0 in these processes. My question is how can heat not be 0 if temperature is constant?

Q=mcDeltaT so if Delta T is 0, then Q also has to be 0 right?
 
Science news on Phys.org
toesockshoe said:
In my textbook it says an isothermal process occurs when the temperature is constant. It also said taht typically, Q,W, and delta U are not 0 in these processes. My question is how can heat not be 0 if temperature is constant?

Q=mcDeltaT so if Delta T is 0, then Q also has to be 0 right?
When work is done, this equation does not necessarily give the correct result. For isothermal expansion of an ideal gas, Q = W.
 

Similar threads

High School Change in entropy of reversible isothermal process
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Undergrad Temperature change due to mixing liquids, heating and heat losses
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Undergrad Entropy change due to heat transfer between sources
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Graduate Practical use of an overall heat transfer coefficient?
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Undergrad Minimization of the Gibbs energy when number of molecules varies
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Undergrad Graphical difference between adiabatic and isothermal processes.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Undergrad Enthalpy change in a flow process
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Molar Specific Heat (gas) at varying pressure and volume?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Efficiency of cycles bounded by two isotherms
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Cannot understand formula for molar heat capacities of an ideal gas
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K