Question

A real process may be nearly adiabatic if it occurs over a very short time. How does the short time span help the process to be adiabatic?

a) Short time span minimizes heat transfer.
b) Short time span maximizes heat transfer.
c) Short time span has no effect on adiabaticity.
d) Cannot be determined.

Answer 1

A short time span helps a process to be nearly adiabatic because it minimizes heat transfer, preventing heat from entering or leaving the system quickly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The real process may be nearly adiabatic if it occurs over a very short time because a short time span minimizes heat transfer. During such a quick process, there's insufficient time for heat to enter or leave the system, which is what defines an adiabatic process (one in which no heat transfer takes place). As shown in adiabatic expansion, temperature reduces since work is done at the expense of internal energy, and this change occurs without heat exchange with the environment.