Is heat δQ an exact differential for an isochoric process (ideal gases)?

Brylee Shepard

Brylee Shepard

Answered question

2022-08-11

Is heat δ Q an exact differential for an isochoric process (ideal gases)?

Answer & Explanation

Melany Flynn

Melany Flynn

Beginner2022-08-12Added 12 answers

Let's assume that the system is in equilibrium throughout the isochoric process and closed. We say the process has to be quasi-static. Under these conditions the work done on the system is
δ W = p d V + i y i X i
where the X i represent different work variables, arising from different physical interactions. For example the work on a closed homogenous system done by electrical or magnetic field is
δ W = p d V + E d P + H d M
Let's assume the only work coordinate in question is the volume V due to compression of the system. And let's furthermore assume that we only move in the thermodynamic subspace spanned by V=const. Then we indeed have
δ W = 0
And by the first law of thermodynamics
d U = δ Q
As the LHS is integrable the RHS has to be as well. So the state function Q exists for systems undergoing quasi static processes on the subspace defined by V=const. under the ssumptions that no other work coordinates are involved. But I don't see any reason how this would be useful.

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