Adiabatic Process

An Adiabatic Process is a process where no heat is transferred either in or out of the system.  If a system is thermally insulated then no heat could be transferred.  Of course there is no such thing as a perfectly insulated system.  We may consider a process to be adiabatic if the process takes place rapidly because there may not be enough time for much heat to transfer.

Δ U  =  Q + W

Δ U  =  0 + W

Δ U  =  W

In an adiabatic process pressure, volume and temperature all change.

Adiabat