Why adiabatic process is required in heat engine?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the necessity of adiabatic processes in heat engines, exploring whether they are essential compared to isothermal processes. Participants examine the implications of using adiabatic conditions in the context of thermodynamic cycles and energy efficiency.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of adiabatic processes, suggesting that isothermal processes could suffice for heat engines.
  • Another participant asserts that a closed cycle is required for net work production, implying that an all isothermal process would not achieve this.
  • A further contribution highlights that adiabatic conditions prevent energy flow to the surroundings, simplifying mathematical descriptions and enhancing energy efficiency for work output.
  • This participant also notes that adiabatic conditions can thermally isolate parts of the system, which may be beneficial in cooling applications.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of adiabatic processes in heat engines, with no consensus reached on whether they are essential compared to isothermal processes.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of adiabatic and isothermal processes, as well as the specific conditions under which heat engines operate. The implications of energy flow and cycle requirements are also noted but remain unresolved.

avistein
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what is the need of adibatic process in heat engine? We can work only with isothermal process .Please expalin this.
 
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You don't need an adiabatic process in a heat engine.
You only need a cycle.
 
You need a closed cycle with net work production. You won't get that with an all isothermic process.
 
avistein said:
what is the need of adibatic process in heat engine?

Practically, the adiabatic condition forbids the flow of energy from the engine into the surroundings. Quite often this simplifies the mathematical description of the system. But probably most importantly, serves to isolate the system from its environment and then the energy in it could be more efficiently used to do work, etc. In the case of cooling, the adiabatic condition will serve to thermally isolate the cold parts of the system from the warm surroundings.
 

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