In an isochoric process, the volume remains constant throughout the process. This means there is no change in volume (ΔV = 0), and consequently, no work is done by or on the system since work in thermodynamics is related to volume change (W = PΔV = 0)
. Key points about an isochoric process:
- Constant volume : The defining feature is that the system's volume does not change during the process
- Pressure and temperature can change : While volume is fixed, pressure and temperature typically vary. For an ideal gas, pressure is directly proportional to temperature at constant volume (p/T = constant)
- No work done : Since volume is constant, no boundary work is performed (W = 0)
- Internal energy change equals heat added or removed : According to the first law of thermodynamics, ΔU = Q for an isochoric process because W = 0
Therefore, the constant parameter in an isochoric process is the volume.
