Explore Thermodynamic Processes with interactive visualizations. Understand isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, and isochoric processes through hands-on simulations and real-world examples.
Thermodynamic processes are transformations of a thermodynamic system from one state to another, characterized by changes in properties such as pressure, volume, and temperature. These processes are fundamental to understanding how energy is transferred and transformed in physical systems.
Each process follows specific constraints that define how the system evolves. By studying these processes, we can predict system behavior, calculate work done, and understand energy exchanges that occur during transformations.
Select a process to begin simulation. The PV diagram will show how pressure and volume change during the process.
Select a process to view detailed information about its characteristics, equations, and real-world applications.
An isothermal process occurs at a constant temperature (ΔT = 0). For an ideal gas, this means that pressure and volume are inversely proportional (Boyle's Law: PV = constant).
Key Characteristics:
Real-world Examples: Slow expansion of a gas in a cylinder with a heat reservoir, phase changes at constant temperature.
An adiabatic process occurs without heat exchange with the surroundings (Q = 0). Temperature, pressure, and volume all change during the process.
Key Characteristics:
Real-world Examples: Rapid compression/expansion in engines, sound wave propagation, weather phenomena.
An isobaric process occurs at constant pressure (ΔP = 0). Work is done as the volume changes, and heat is exchanged with the surroundings.
Key Characteristics:
Real-world Examples: Boiling water at atmospheric pressure, heating a gas in a cylinder with a movable piston.
An isochoric process occurs at constant volume (ΔV = 0). No work is done, and all heat added changes the internal energy and temperature.
Key Characteristics:
Real-world Examples: Heating a sealed container, combustion in automobile engines (approximation).
The Carnot cycle is a theoretical thermodynamic cycle that provides the maximum possible efficiency for a heat engine operating between two temperatures.
η = 1 - (TC/TH) = (TH - TC)/TH
Where TH and TC are absolute temperatures of hot and cold reservoirs respectively.Internal combustion engines operate on thermodynamic cycles (Otto, Diesel) that approximate various thermodynamic processes to convert fuel energy into mechanical work.
Steam power plants use Rankine cycles, combining isobaric heating, adiabatic expansion, isobaric condensation, and adiabatic compression to generate electricity.
Refrigerators and air conditioners use vapor compression cycles, which involve isenthalpic expansion, evaporation (isobaric), compression (adiabatic), and condensation (isobaric).
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