All Flashcards
What is the definition of thermal equilibrium?
A state where two or more objects in contact have reached the same temperature, and there is no net heat flow between them.
What is internal energy?
The total energy of the molecules within a substance, including kinetic and potential energy.
What is heat in thermodynamics?
Energy transferred due to a temperature difference between two systems or objects.
What is work in thermodynamics?
Energy transferred when a force acts over a distance, often associated with changes in volume and pressure of a gas.
Define an isobaric process.
A thermodynamic process that occurs at constant pressure.
Define an isochoric process.
A thermodynamic process that occurs at constant volume.
Define an isothermal process.
A thermodynamic process that occurs at constant temperature.
Define an adiabatic process.
A thermodynamic process where no heat is exchanged with the surroundings (Q = 0).
What are the key differences between an isothermal and an adiabatic process?
Isothermal: Constant temperature, heat exchange allowed. Adiabatic: No heat exchange, temperature changes.
Compare and contrast heat and work as energy transfer mechanisms.
Heat: Energy transfer due to temperature difference. Work: Energy transfer by a force acting over a distance/volume change.
On a PV diagram, what does the area under the curve represent?
The work done during the process.
On a PV diagram of a cycle, what does the area inside the loop represent?
The net work done during the cycle.