Isochoric Processes: What's the Story?

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Isochoric processes are defined by the Greek roots of their name, where "iso" means "equal" and "choric" relates to "space." This contrasts with isothermal and isobaric processes, which derive their names from heat and pressure, respectively. The discussion highlights the confusion surrounding the term "choric," which some initially associate with choirs. Clarification reveals that "choric" is linked to the Greek word for space, not music. Understanding these etymological roots enriches the comprehension of thermodynamic processes.
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I'm studying for my physics exam on thursday and an odd thought just struck me. It is easy to see where the names for isothermal and isobaric processes came from - iso being the latin for equal, thermal being to do with heat and baric being to do with pressure. However what about ischoric processes? All I can find online is that choric is to do with choirs? :s
 
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I believe "iso" is from the Greek Isos.
 
hi accidentprone! :smile:

according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isochoric_process#Etymology"
The noun isochor and the adjective isochoric are derived from the Greek words ἴσος (isos) meaning "equal", and χώρα (chora) meaning "space." :wink:
 
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Good Question

I found this at
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Isochoric+process

Etymology
The noun isochor and the adjective isochoric are derived from the Greek words ἴσος (isos) meaning "equal", and χώρα (chora) meaning "space."

So I guess that is somehow related to choir, with a stretch of imagination.
 
And Isotope means Same Place (in the periodic table).
 
Oh I see - it's Greek, not Latin. I should probably think in a wider context next time. Thanks for the help!
 
256bits said:
Greek words ἴσος (isos) meaning "equal", and χώρα (chora) meaning "space."

So I guess that is somehow related to choir, with a stretch of imagination.

Indeed; from the Online Etymology Dictionary, Gk. khoros "band of dancers or singers, dance, dancing ground," perhaps from PIE *gher- "to grasp, enclose."
 
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