ISOCHORIC Meaning and
Definition
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Isochoric is an adjective used to describe a process or system in thermodynamics that occurs at a constant volume. Derived from the Greek words "iso" meaning equal or same and "choros" meaning space, isochoric essentially refers to a situation where the volume remains unchanged throughout a particular process or system. It is often used as the opposite of isobaric (constant pressure) and isothermal (constant temperature).
In isochoric processes, while the volume remains constant, other properties such as pressure and temperature may vary. This leads to changes in the energy of the system, as work can still be done on or by the system without any change occurring in its volume. For example, if a gas is confined to a rigid container with a fixed volume, and heat is added to it, the temperature of the gas will increase, but its volume will stay the same. Similarly, if work is done on the gas without any change in volume, the pressure will increase.
Isochoric processes are of particular importance in various fields of science and engineering, including thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, and acoustics. They often serve as an idealized or simplified model to study the behavior of systems while isolating the effect of volume change. Understanding isochoric processes is crucial for interpreting and applying the laws of thermodynamics to various practical applications, such as engines, refrigeration systems, and chemical reactions.
Etymology of ISOCHORIC
The word "isochoric" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "iso" meaning equal or same, and "choric" meaning space or volume. Thus, the term "isochoric" refers to a process or condition where the volume or space remains constant or unchanged.
