Isothermal is an adjective that describes a system or process that occurs at a constant temperature throughout. The term is derived from the Greek words "iso," meaning equal, and "thermo," meaning heat. In an isothermal system, the temperature remains unchanged at all points and at all times, regardless of any internal or external factors.
Isothermal processes are often studied in thermodynamics and physics. They are characterized by the absence of heat transfer or change in temperature within a system. This condition can be achieved through proper insulation and efficient heat exchange mechanisms.
Isothermal systems are especially important in the study of gases, where the relationship between temperature, pressure, and volume is observed. For example, in an isothermal expansion, the volume of a gas increases while its pressure decreases, while maintaining a constant temperature.
In meteorology, isothermal refers to a steady temperature pattern at a specific elevation or altitude. It indicates that the air temperature does not vary with height. This condition is often found in the presence of specific atmospheric conditions, such as inversion, where warmer air is trapped above cooler air, preventing vertical temperature variations.
Overall, whether applied to physical or atmospheric phenomena, isothermal describes a state or process in which the temperature remains unchanged, providing a key concept in various scientific fields.
