Adiabatic compressions
Definition
Adiabatic compression is a process in which a gas is compressed without any heat exchange with its surroundings. The internal energy of the gas increases, resulting in an increase in temperature.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- During adiabatic compression, the work done on the gas increases its internal energy.
- No heat is transferred into or out of the system during adiabatic processes ($Q = 0$).
- For an ideal gas, adiabatic compression follows Poisson's equation: $PV^{\gamma} = \text{constant}$, where $\gamma$ is the adiabatic index.
- $\gamma$ (the adiabatic index) is the ratio of specific heats at constant pressure and volume ($C_p/C_v$).
- The temperature of the gas rises during adiabatic compression because all the work done on it converts into internal energy.
Review Questions
- What happens to the temperature of a gas during adiabatic compression?
- Why does no heat transfer occur during an adiabatic process?
- What equation describes the relationship between pressure and volume for an ideal gas undergoing adiabatic compression?
"Adiabatic compressions" appears in:
Related terms
Isothermal Process: A thermodynamic process in which the temperature remains constant while heat can be exchanged with surroundings.
$\gamma$ (Adiabatic Index): The ratio of specific heats at constant pressure ($C_p$) and constant volume ($C_v$), typically greater than one for gases.
$PV^{\gamma} = \text{constant}$: Poisson's equation describing the relationship between pressure and volume during an adiabatic process for an ideal gas.
