Moderate

Which of the following is not an example of an adiabatic process?

Correct answer: D. Slow compression or expansion of gas

  • A. The rapid escape of air from a burst tyre
  • B. The rapid expansion and compression of air through which a sound wave is passing
  • C. Cloud formation in the atmosphere
  • D. Slow compression or expansion of gas

Explanation

Option A: The rapid escape of air from a burst tyre: This is an example of an adiabatic process. When a tyre bursts, the rapid release of air occurs without any significant heat exchange with the surroundings.Option B: The rapid expansion and compression of air through which a sound wave is passing: This is also an example of an adiabatic process. As sound waves propagate through air, they cause rapid compression and expansion of air molecules, which occurs without significant heat transfer.Option C: Lifting, also referred to as adiabatic cooling, is the most common method of humidification of air to form clouds. As air rises it expands because pressure decreases with altitude. Kinetic energy is converted to potential energy and the parcel temperature decreases, and the relative humidity increases.Option D: Slow compression or expansion of gas: This option is not an example of an adiabatic process. In a slow compression or expansion of gas, there is sufficient time for heat transfer between the gas and its surroundings. Adiabatic processes involve rapid changes where there is no time for significant heat transfer.

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Thermal equilibrium means that bodies in contact have the same temperature and no net heat flows between them. The topic distinguishes heat from temperature, uses the zeroth law of thermodynamics, and covers heat transfer, specific heat capacity, thermal expansion and the conditions for reaching equilibrium.

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