Question

A chemical process is carricd out in a thermostat maintained at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). The process may be termed as (1) isobaric process (2) isoentropic process (3) adiabatic process (4) isothermal process

Short answer

Option 4: isothermal process

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Process

Identify the characteristic that defines the chemical process. The thermostat maintains the temperature constant.

Match the Characteristic

Match the characteristic of constant temperature to the correct term from the provided options. Processes with constant temperature are known as isothermal processes.

Identify the Answer

Identify which of the provided options corresponds to an isothermal process. Option 4 (isothermal process) is the correct match.

Key concepts

Chemical Process

A chemical process involves the transformation of one or more substances into different substances. These processes can occur naturally or be engineered in laboratories and industries. During a chemical process, various factors such as temperature, pressure, and volume can change. The process may also involve the absorption or release of energy.
A thermostat-controlled environment helps in understanding the nature of such processes by maintaining specific conditions. For instance, in our exercise, the chemical process is carried out at a constant temperature of 25°C, ensuring that the temperature remains unchanged throughout the process.
This controlled environment helps in studying and understanding specific reactions better, as variables like temperature, which could influence the reaction rate, are kept constant.

Constant Temperature

When we mention constant temperature in a chemical process, it means the temperature does not vary over time. This is critical because temperature often affects the rate at which reactions occur. Maintaining a constant temperature ensures that we can study the inherent characteristics of the process without thermal fluctuations altering the results.
One way to achieve constant temperature is by using a thermostat, like in our exercise scenario. A thermostat regulates the environment so that it remains at a specific temperature, such as 25°C. Processes that occur with a constant temperature condition are referred to as isothermal processes.
This consistency is beneficial in chemical experiments and industrial applications, where precision is necessary. By keeping the temperature constant, scientists and engineers can predict the outcomes of reactions with higher accuracy.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy. It is a crucial field for understanding chemical processes because it helps explain how energy is transferred and transformed during a reaction.
In thermodynamics, there are four main laws: The Zeroth Law (thermal equilibrium), the First Law (energy conservation), the Second Law (entropy), and the Third Law (absolute zero). Each of these laws plays a significant role in describing how different quantities of energy (like heat) interact and transform in a system.
An isothermal process, in particular, is a thermodynamic process where the temperature of the system remains constant. In other words, despite any changes in pressure or volume, the temperature stays the same. For an isothermal process to occur, any heat added to the system must be used to do work or be transferred to the surroundings to maintain the constant temperature.
This concept is essential in both theoretical studies and practical applications. By understanding isothermal processes, we can better grasp how various systems react under constant temperature conditions, leading to more efficient and effective designs in technology, engineering, and industrial processes.