An isobaric process is a thermodynamic process in which the pressure remains constant (isobaric) while the volume and temperature of the system may change. This type of process is common in conditions where heat is added or removed under a constant pressure, such as in a piston-cylinder arrangement.
The fundamental equation that can describe an isobaric process is derived from the ideal gas law:
\[ PV = nRT \]
In an isobaric process, the pressure \( P \) is constant, and thus we can express the relationship between the volume \( V \) and temperature \( T \) for a given amount of gas (with \( n \) being the number of moles and \( R \) being the ideal gas constant):
\[ V \propto T \quad (\text{at constant } P) \]
This means that if the temperature increases, the volume will also increase, and vice versa, as long as the pressure remains constant. The work done \( W \) on or by the gas during an isobaric process can also be expressed as:
\[ W = P \Delta V \]
where \( \Delta V \) is the change in volume. The heat added to or removed from the system in an isobaric process can be calculated using:
\[ Q = nC_P\Delta T \]
where \( C_P \) is the specific heat at constant pressure and \( \Delta T \) is the change in temperature.
In summary, in an isobaric process, pressure is held constant, allowing changes in volume and temperature while following the equations of thermodynamics.
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