AP Physics 2: Thermal Processes (PV Diagrams)

Isothermal Expansion

Heat energy is added to the system while temperature remains constant

Isochoric Cooling

Heat energy escapes through the walls of a system with a fixed volume. Resulting in a temperature drop.

Isothermal Compression

Work is done on the gas to change its volume while the temperature remains constant.

Isobaric Expansion

Heat energy is added to the gas causing its volume to increase, while pressure remains constant.

Isobaric Compression

Heat is removed from the system while pressure remains constant.

Isochoric Heating

Heat energy is added to a system with a fixed volume.

Adiabatic Expansion

Work is done by the expanding gas in a perfectly insulated system.

Adiabatic Compression

Work is done on a gas that is contained in a perfectly insulated system.

Isothermal Process

During this thermal process, temperature remains constant.

Isobaric Process

During this thermal process, pressure remains constant.

Isochoric Process

During this thermal process, volume remains constant.

Adiabatic Process

During this thermal process, there is no heat energy transfer