How Does Adiabatic Compressibility of an Ideal Gas Compare to Isothermal?

In summary, the conversation is about comparing the compressibility of an ideal gas when compressed isothermally versus adiabatically. It is stated that in the isothermal case, the compressibility is 1/P, while in the adiabatic case, it is 1/yP, where y is gamma. The speaker has managed to show the isothermal compressibility but is struggling with the adiabatic case. They have been asked to define compressibility and show their work for the isothermal case. They are also asked to write out the expression for compressibility in the adiabatic case and explain how pressure and volume are related in a reversible adiabatic compression.
  • #1
Milly_S
2
0
I have been asked to show that if an ideal gas is compressed isothermally its compressibility is 1/P whereas if the same gas is compressed adiabatically its compressibility is 1/yP

Where y is gamma


I have managed to do the first bit about isothermal compressibility, but cannot work out how to do the next bit.
 
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  • #2
Milly_S said:
I have been asked to show that if an ideal gas is compressed isothermally its compressibility is 1/P whereas if the same gas is compressed adiabatically its compressibility is 1/yP

Where y is gamma


I have managed to do the first bit about isothermal compressibility, but cannot work out how to do the next bit.
Define compressibility first. Then show us your work for the isothermal case.

Write out the expression for compressibility in the adiabatic case (how are P and V related in a (reversible) adiabatic compression?).

AM
 

Related to How Does Adiabatic Compressibility of an Ideal Gas Compare to Isothermal?

What is adiabatic compressibility?

Adiabatic compressibility is a measure of how easily a substance can be compressed under adiabatic conditions, meaning no heat is exchanged with the surroundings.

How is adiabatic compressibility different from isothermal compressibility?

Adiabatic compressibility and isothermal compressibility are both measures of a substance's compressibility, but they differ in the conditions under which they are measured. Adiabatic compressibility is measured under conditions where no heat is exchanged, while isothermal compressibility is measured under conditions of constant temperature.

Why is adiabatic compressibility important?

Adiabatic compressibility is important in understanding the behavior of a substance under adiabatic conditions, such as in thermodynamic processes or in shock waves. It can also be used to calculate the speed of sound in a substance.

How is adiabatic compressibility measured?

Adiabatic compressibility is typically measured using a specialized instrument called a compressibility meter. This instrument applies a known pressure to a sample of the substance and measures the resulting change in volume.

What factors affect adiabatic compressibility?

The adiabatic compressibility of a substance can be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and molecular structure. In general, substances with weaker intermolecular forces tend to have higher adiabatic compressibility.

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