An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process during which no heat energy is transferred across the boundaries of the system. This does not mean the temperature is constant, but rather that no heat is transferred into or out of the system. In this article let us learn about the adiabatic process, examples, adiabatic process equation derivation and the adiabatic index.
Adiabatic Process Examples
- The vertical flow of air in the atmosphere
- When the interstellar gas cloud expands or contracts.
- The turbine is an example of the adiabatic process as it uses heat as a source to produce work.
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Adiabatic Process Derivation
The equation for an adiabatic process can be derived from the first law of thermodynamics relating to the change in internal energy dU to the work W done by the system and the heat dQ added to it.
dU=dQ-dW
dQ=0 by definition,
Therefore, 0=dQ=dU+dW
The work done dW for the change in volume V by dV is given as PdV.
The first term is related to specific heat which is defined as the heat added per unit temperature change per mole of a substance. The heat that is added increases the internal energy U such that it justifies the definition of specific heat at constant volume.
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