An isochoric process is a thermodynamic process during which the volume of a system remains constant. In other words, the system undergoes changes in temperature and pressure, but there is no change in volume.
The term “isochoric” is derived from the Greek words “iso,” meaning equal, and “choric,” meaning space or volume. In mathematical terms, for an isochoric process, the change in volume (ΔV) is zero, and the work done on or by the system is also zero.
Change in volume = ΔV = 0
Daily Life Examples
In daily life, it can be challenging to find perfect examples of isochoric processes since many natural processes involve changes in volume. However, some practical approximations or scenarios where the volume change is negligible or compensated for can be considered akin to isochoric processes. Here are a few examples:
| Example | Description | Mathematical Representation |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed Container Heating/Cooling | Volume remains constant in a sealed, lidded container during heating or cooling. | ΔV≈0 |
| Rigid Thermos Flask | Negligible volume change in a well-insulated, rigid thermos flask when pouring in hot or cold substances. | ΔV≈0 |
| Shock Absorbers | Mechanical systems, like shock absorbers, designed for minimal volume change during compression/expansion. | ΔV≈0 (approximation) |
Mathematical Form
In the context of thermodynamics and mathematical representations, the ideal gas law can be used to describe the relationship between pressure (P), volume (V), and temperature (T) for an isochoric process. The ideal gas law is expressed as:
PV=nRT
Where:
- P is the pressure of the gas.
- V is the volume of the gas.
- n is the number of moles of the gas.
- R is the ideal gas constant.
- T is the temperature of the gas.
For an isochoric process, the volume is constant (ΔV=0). Therefore, the equation simplifies to:
P1V1=nRT1
Here, P1, V1, and T1 represent the initial pressure, volume, and temperature, respectively.
