Thermodynamics: Understanding Isobaric Processes

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In summary, systems with constant pressure, such as a balloon or an engine, are usually at atmospheric pressure and have a way to change their volume. For example, heating the air inside a balloon will cause it to expand while maintaining a constant pressure. This concept can also be applied to modelling atmospheric changes or in engine designs where heat is supplied to a chamber to drive a piston under constant external load.
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Hello.I'm studying thermodynamics and I'm having trouble understanding processes where the pressure is constant.How can temperature alone modify the volume without doing pressure.An example would be appreciated.Thanks.
 
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Usually, systems with constant pressure are at atmospheric pressure and have some way to change their volume. Look at a balloon, for example: If you heat the air inside, it will expand, while the pressure is (nearly) constant.
 
  • #3
mfb said:
Usually, systems with constant pressure are at atmospheric pressure and have some way to change their volume. Look at a balloon, for example: If you heat the air inside, it will expand, while the pressure is (nearly) constant.
You can also take away the balloon and use it in modelling atmospheric changes.
In an engine, you could supply heat to a chamber to drive a piston that's subject to constant external load over some part of the cycle.
 

Related to Thermodynamics: Understanding Isobaric Processes

What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy. It studies how these factors affect matter and its properties.

What is an isobaric process?

An isobaric process is a thermodynamic process in which the pressure of a system remains constant while other variables, such as temperature and volume, may change. This type of process often occurs in open systems, where the system is allowed to exchange heat and work with its surroundings.

How does an isobaric process differ from an isothermal process?

An isothermal process is one in which the temperature of a system remains constant while other variables, such as pressure and volume, may change. In contrast, an isobaric process keeps the pressure constant while other variables may change. Both processes involve the exchange of heat and work, but the conditions and outcomes are different.

What are some real-life examples of isobaric processes?

Some real-life examples of isobaric processes include boiling water in a pot on a stove, where the pressure inside the pot remains constant while the temperature rises. Another example is a gas expanding in a cylinder with a movable piston, where the pressure of the gas remains constant as it expands and does work on the piston.

Why is understanding isobaric processes important?

Understanding isobaric processes is important in many fields, including engineering, chemistry, and meteorology. It allows scientists and engineers to predict and control the behavior of systems, such as engines and chemical reactions, that involve constant pressure. It also helps in understanding weather patterns and atmospheric processes, where pressure plays a crucial role.

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