8.6 The Isothermal and Adiabatic Curves
The curve showing the relation between pressure and volume of a given mass of gas when the temperature is constant is called its isothermal curve. It is represented by the equation
The curve showing the relation between pressure and volume of a given mass of gas when the flow of heat into or out of the gas is stopped is called its adiabatic curve.
It is represented by the equation
where
If isothermal and adiabatic curves be plotted on the same p–v diagram (Fig. 8.4), then the adiabatic curve would be steeper than the isothermal curve. For, at the point of intersection ...
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