What is a isobaric process ?

Explanation

Isobaric process: This is a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant pressure. Even though pressure is constant in this process, temperature, volume and internal energy are not constant. From the ideal gas equation, we have
`V=((muR)/(P))T" ...(1)"`
`"Here "(muR)/(P)=" constant"`
In an isobaric process the temperature is directly proportional be volume.
`V p rop T " (Iobaric process) ...(2)"`
This implies that for a isobaric process, the `V-T` graph is a straight line passing through the origin.
If a gas goes from a state `(V_(i), T_(i))` to `(T_(f), T_(f))` at constant pressure, then the system satisfies the following equation
`(T_(f))/(V_(f))=(T_(i))/(V_(i))" ...(3)"`
Examples for Isobaric process:
(i) When the gas is heated and pushes the piston so that it exerts a force equivalent to atmospheric pressure plus the force due to gravity then this process is isobaric.
(ii) Most of the cooking processes in our kitchen are isobaric processes. When the food is cooked in an open vessel, the pressure above the food is always at atmospheric pressure.
The PV diagram for an isobaric process is a horizontal line parallel to volume axis. Figure (a) represents isobaric process where volume decreases figure (b) represents isobaric process where volume increases.

The work done in an isobaric process : Work done by the gas
`W=int_(V_(i))^(V_(f))PdV" ...(4)"`
In an isobaric process, the pressure is constant, so P comes out of the integral,
`W=P int_(V_(i))^(V_(f))PdV" ...(4)"`
`W=P[V_(f)-V_(i)]=P DeltaV" ....(6)"`
Where `DeltaV` denotes change in the volume. If `DeltaV` is negative, W is also negative. This implies that the work is done on the gas. If `DeltaV` is positive, W is also positive, implying that work is done by the gas.
The equation (6) can also be rewritten using the ideal gas equation.
From ideal gas equation
`PV=muRT and V=(muRT)/(P)`
Substituting this in equation (6) we get

`W=muRT_(f)(1-(T_(i))/(T_(f)))" ...(7)"`
In the PV diagram, area under the isobaric curve is equal to the work done in isobaric process.
The shaded area in the above diagram is equal to the work done by the gas.
The first law of thermodynamics for isobaric process is given by
`DeltaU=Q-PDeltaV" ...(8)"`
`W=PDeltaV, DeltaU=Q-muRT_(f)[1-(T_(i))/(T_(f))]`