2. Isothermal Processes of Gases

2. Isothermal Processes of Gases

Concept Explanation:

An isothermal process is a thermodynamic process in which the temperature of a gas remains constant. During this process, the product of pressure (P) and volume (V) remains constant, as described by Boyle's Law:

P * V = constant

This means that if the volume of the gas increases, its pressure decreases, and vice versa, provided the temperature remains unchanged.

Example Problem:

A sample of gas occupies a volume of 2 liters at a pressure of 1 atmosphere. If the volume expands to 4 liters while the temperature remains constant, what is the new pressure?

Solution:

Using Boyle's Law:

P1 * V1 = P2 * V2

Substituting the given values:

1 atm × 2 L = P2 × 4 L

P2 = (2 atm * L) / 4 L = 0.5 atm

So, the new pressure is 0.5 atmospheres.