Difference between Adiabatic Process and Isentropic Process
Thermodynamics is an important branch of physics that deals with the study of energy and its transformations. Adiabatic and isentropic processes are two such concepts in thermodynamics that have significant differences.
The main difference is that adiabatic processes refer to thermodynamic processes in which no heat is exchanged between a system and its surroundings whereas isentropic processes refer to those processes in which entropy remains constant.
Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Adiabatic Process and Isentropic Process:
- Adiabatic Process: An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which no heat is exchanged between a system and its surroundings.
- Isentropic Process: An isentropic process is a thermodynamic process in which the entropy of the system remains constant.
Now, let’s move to Adiabatic Process vs Isentropic Process:
Major differences between Adiabatic Process and Isentropic Process
| Adiabatic Process | Isentropic Process |
|---|---|
| Adiabatic processes involve energy exchange only through work done. | Isentropic processes do not involve any energy exchange. |
| Adiabatic processes do not necessarily result in a constant entropy. | Isentropic processes always result in a constant entropy. |
| Adiabatic processes involve no heat exchange. | Isentropic processes can involve heat exchange. |
| Adiabatic processes involve work done on or by the system. | Isentropic processes do not involve any work done. |
| Adiabatic processes can result in a change in pressure. | Isentropic processes do not necessarily result in a change in pressure. |
That’s it.
Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Adiabatic Process and Isentropic Process”.
Also see:
- Difference between Isothermal Process and Adiabatic Process
- Difference between Knowledge and Information
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Final words
Adiabatic and isentropic processes are two important concepts in thermodynamics that have significant differences. While adiabatic processes involve no heat exchange and can be reversible or irreversible, isentropic processes involve no entropy change and are always reversible.
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