PV diagram

Definition

A pV diagram is a graphical representation of the relationship between pressure (p) and volume (V) for a given system. It is commonly used to illustrate processes involving ideal gases.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In a pV diagram, isothermal processes appear as hyperbolic curves.
2. An isobaric process appears as a horizontal line on a pV diagram.
3. The area under the curve in a pV diagram represents the work done by or on the gas.
4. Isometric (isochoric) processes are represented by vertical lines in a pV diagram.
5. The cyclic process in a pV diagram can represent different thermodynamic cycles like the Carnot cycle.

Review Questions

• What does the area under the curve in a pV diagram represent?
• How is an isothermal process depicted on a pV diagram?
• Describe how an isochoric process would appear on a pV diagram.

Related terms

Isothermal Process:

A thermodynamic process that occurs at constant temperature.

Isobaric Process:

A thermodynamic process that occurs at constant pressure.

Isochoric Process:

\\Also known as an isometric process, it\\'s a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant volume.