Final answer:
Steam in a piston-cylinder assembly can undergo an isothermal compression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steam in a piston-cylinder assembly can undergo an isothermal compression. An isothermal process is one in which the system remains at a constant temperature throughout the process. In this case, the steam is compressed while the temperature remains unchanged. It is represented by a curved line on a (p, V) diagram. Isothermal compression is often employed in certain industrial processes and refrigeration systems where temperature control is crucial. By maintaining a constant temperature, isothermal compression can lead to more efficient and controlled systems. However, achieving perfect isothermal compression can be challenging, and practical systems may experience some deviation from the ideal due to factors like heat transfer limitations and irreversibility.