An adiabatic process is defined as one in which there is no heat exchange between the system and its surroundings (Q = 0), leading to a change in temperature. While it is generally true that adiabatic processes involve temperature changes, exceptions exist, such as adiabatic expansion into a vacuum for ideal gases, where the process can be isothermal. The discussion emphasizes the importance of not generalizing adiabatic processes without considering specific conditions, such as electrical work or phase changes. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurately interpreting thermodynamic principles.
PREREQUISITESStudents and professionals in physics and engineering, particularly those studying thermodynamics, will benefit from this discussion. It is also valuable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of heat transfer and energy changes in various processes.
Fightfish said:No! An adiabatic process necessarily involves a change in temperature!
Ok...except for this special case where there is no resistance to expansion and no work is done :pMapes said:Wrong. "Adiabatic" only means that there is no heat transfer to or from the system. Adiabatic expansion into a vacuum, for example, is isothermal for ideal gases.
Fightfish said:Ok...except for this special case where there is no resistance to expansion and no work is done :p
Apologies. My prior exposure to thermodynamics did not cover nonequilibrium work modes, but only conventional expansion and contraction processes, thus my first instinct in thinking in that mode.Mapes said:Or for processes where electrical work is done and an equal amount of P-V work extracted, or for phase changes that are achieved through hydrostatic pressure, or for multiple gases mixing... There's a universe of possible processes that are adiabatic and isothermal. It's important not to generalize from cases where the temperature does change.