Chapter 31, Problem 3RAT

To determine

The correct option for the statement “An adiabatic process has occurred when”.

Answer to Problem 3RAT

The correct option for the statement “An adiabatic process has occurred when” is option (c).

Explanation of Solution

An adiabatic process is defined as the change in the state of the system without the interaction of heat with its surrounding. It means the heat transfer to the system and from the system to the surrounding is zero.

During an adiabatic process, according to the first law of thermodynamics, the total work required to change the state in the adiabatic process is equal to change in its internal energy.

Internal energy of the system is the function of its temperature, so if the air expands, the internal energy, which is the result of collisions between the molecules, decreases because the distance of separation between them increases. So its temperature decreases, and as a result, the internal energy of the system decreases.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the correct option for the statement “An adiabatic process has occurred when” is option (c).