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adiabatic process
A thermodynamic process in which no heat enters or leaves a system during expansion or compression of the fluid composing the system. This is the case, for example, when an interstellar gas cloud expands or contracts. Adiabatic changes are usually accompanied by changes in temperature. In most situations, truly adiabatic changes must take place in short time intervals so that the heat content of the system remains unchanged, or else the system mut be perfectly insulated (a practical impossibility). Compare with isothermal process.
Related category
• HEAT AND THERMODYNAMICS
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