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Thermodynamic Variables—Pressure, Volume, and Temperature

Blood is responsible for preventing the body from cooling down, while sweat prevents it from overheating. But how exactly does this work? Basic knowledge of thermodynamics is necessary in order to understand heat Heat Inflammation transfer, the functions of substance mixtures, and the relevance of different pressures inside the human body. What is a gas? What are the properties of different substances, and how can they be described? The following article deals with these basic principles of physics.

Last updated: Dec 29, 2023

Editorial responsibility: Stanley Oiseth, Lindsay Jones, Evelin Maza

Thermodynamic Variables—Pressure, Volume, and Temperature

Pressure propagation Propagation Propagation refers to how the electrical signal spreads to every myocyte in the heart. Cardiac Physiology in liquids and gases

Table: Pressure propagation Propagation Propagation refers to how the electrical signal spreads to every myocyte in the heart. Cardiac Physiology in liquids and gases
Variable Variable Variables represent information about something that can change. The design of the measurement scales, or of the methods for obtaining information, will determine the data gathered and the characteristics of that data. As a result, a variable can be qualitative or quantitative, and may be further classified into subgroups. Types of Variables Explanation Unit
P Pressure Pa, N/m2
F Force acting on a surface N
A Area of the surface, cross-section m2

Liquids have no definite shape as the molecules and atoms move around freely, and they assume the shape of the available vessel. As a whole, the liquid surface forms a horizontal plane. Gases lack binding forces between the individual molecules, which are constantly in motion, except at the temperature of absolute zero. They are repelled by collision or bounce against the surrounding walls. Thus, they move in irregular zigzag paths.

A gas molecule undergoes nearly 10 quadrillion collisions per second.

In a fully sealed vessel, force is exerted on a fluid. Unlike solids, where a force is exerted at a single point, the particles in a fluid avoid contact due to their mobility. When the force is evenly distributed through the entire surface, the particles adjacent to the surface experience immediate pressure, which is transmitted in all directions due to their mobility. Therefore, the pressure is the same at any point within a fluid.

The pressure is defined as the ratio of the force applied perpendicular to a surface and the area of this surface: P = F / A.

Pressure and volume of a gas

The volume and pressure of a gas are inversely correlated. At constant temperature, the pressure of a gas is proportional to the number of molecules present in the respective area. The mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast of gas is a measure of the number of molecules.

Boyle-Mariotte law:
At constant temperature and in a closed container, the product of pressure and volume of a given amount of gas is constant.

  • PV PV Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the overproduction of rbcs. In addition, the wbc and platelet counts are also increased, which differentiate pv from erythrocytosis seen with chronic hypoxia and other chronic conditions. Polycythemia Vera=constant
  • P1V1 = P2V2

Since a change in pressure affects the gas volume, the density of gas depends on the pressure as well. At constant temperature, the density of a gas is proportional to the pressure. Densities behave similar to pressures.

Volumen_druck_boyle_mariotte1-300x234

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Real and Ideal Gases

Real gases have a volume and thus occupy space. They collide with each other and their motion is slowed or increased. Their particles are in constant interaction with each other.

The particles in a gas exhibit the following features:

Ideal gases have no definite volume or mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast, and their particle collisions are elastic Elastic Connective Tissue: Histology. During particle collision, no energy is involved and the particle pressure is higher compared to that of ideal gases.

Equation of state for ideal gases

Table: Equation of state for ideal gases
Variable Variable Variables represent information about something that can change. The design of the measurement scales, or of the methods for obtaining information, will determine the data gathered and the characteristics of that data. As a result, a variable can be qualitative or quantitative, and may be further classified into subgroups. Types of Variables Explanation Unit
V Volume L
m Mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast kg
M Molar mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast kg/mol
n Amount of substance mol
R Universal gas constant J/(K*mol)
T Temperature K, °C

For a description of ideal gases, a general equation of state (the ideal gas law or the general gas equation) is used. It is defined as the simultaneous change of volume, pressure, and temperature.

p * V = m * R * T

In this equation, the absolute pressure is used. The ideal gas law does not apply under conditions of excessive pressure. Further, the general gas equation is only applicable to ideal gases, with limited validity Validity Validity refers to how accurate a test or research finding is. Causality, Validity, and Reliability for real gases and none whatsoever for vapors. Based on the ideal gas law, the standard volume of material can be calculated. Standard volume refers to the volume at standard atmospheric pressure Atmospheric pressure The pressure at any point in an atmosphere due solely to the weight of the atmospheric gases above the point concerned. Ventilation: Mechanics of Breathing (p0) defined as 1013 mbar and at a temperature (T) of 0°C. Under these standard conditions (STP), 1 mole Mole Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi of an ideal gas occupies a volume of V= 22.4 L.

If the constant p * V / T is proportional to the mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast of the closed system, the associated proportionality factor is referred to as gas constant. The value of the gas constant depends on the type of gas.

The number of similar particles contained in a system is described as the amount of substance. A mole Mole Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi is the amount of a substance containing as many particles as there are atoms in 12 grams of a carbon isotope C12. Therefore, 1  mole Mole Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi of any substance contains 6.0221367 * 1023 particles. Under standard conditions, 1 mole Mole Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi of any gas contains the same volume (see standard volume).

The product of universal gas constant with molar mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast is known as the molar gas constant. It is a universal constant and thus non-specific.

p * V = n * M * R * T

The equation of state in relation to the amount of substance is expressed as:

p * V = n * R * T

Thus, the state of a gas is determined by 3 variables: pressure, volume, and temperature. Changes in 2 or all state variables are referred to as changes of state.

The internal energy for each state of a system is clearly defined. These changes are defined by the First Law of Thermodynamics (see the article Thermodynamics I):

The supply of heat Heat Inflammation and mechanical work increases the internal energy of a closed system based on the equation:

ΔU = Q + W

In ideal gases, mechanical work triggers a volume change. The thermal energy supplied leads to increased internal energy and volume.

Table: Changes of state of ideal gases
Isothermal change of state Change of state of an ideal gas is isothermal at a constant temperature. p * V = constant
Isobaric change of state Change of state of an ideal gas is isobaric at constant pressure. V / T = constant
Isochoric change of state Change of state of an ideal gas is isochoric at constant volume. ρ / T = constant

Adiabatic change

Table: Adiabatic change
Variable Variable Variables represent information about something that can change. The design of the measurement scales, or of the methods for obtaining information, will determine the data gathered and the characteristics of that data. As a result, a variable can be qualitative or quantitative, and may be further classified into subgroups. Types of Variables Explanation
K Adiabatic exponent
ΔS Change of entropy Entropy The measure of that part of the heat or energy of a system which is not available to perform work. Entropy increases in all natural (spontaneous and irreversible) processes. Enzyme Kinetics (S = 0 in adiabatic change)
Cp Isobaric heat Heat Inflammation capacity (J/(kg*K))
CV Isochoric heat Heat Inflammation capacity (J/(kg*K))

Adiabatic change of an ideal gas occurs without heat Heat Inflammation exchange with the environment. Complete heat Heat Inflammation insulation is required to generate this altered state. Adiabatic changes of state are also referred to as isentropic changes of state defined by the corresponding equation:

p * VK = const; K = CP / CV

The work performed in an isentropic relaxation for a specific amount of gas only depends on the change in temperature.

Gas mixtures

Table: Gas mixtures
Variable Variable Variables represent information about something that can change. The design of the measurement scales, or of the methods for obtaining information, will determine the data gathered and the characteristics of that data. As a result, a variable can be qualitative or quantitative, and may be further classified into subgroups. Types of Variables Explanation
ρA Partial pressure Partial pressure The pressure that would be exerted by one component of a mixture of gases if it were present alone in a container. Gas Exchange of a gas (bar)
A Concentration of a gas in a solvent ( mole Mole Nevi (singular nevus), also known as “moles,” are benign neoplasms of the skin. Nevus is a non-specific medical term because it encompasses both congenital and acquired lesions, hyper- and hypopigmented lesions, and raised or flat lesions. Nevus/Nevi/L)
K Constant

Mixtures of at least 2 different chemical elements that result in a gas are called gas mixtures. They show a homogeneous Homogeneous Imaging of the Spleen mixing ratio.

The solubility of a gas in a liquid is defined by Henry’s law. The gas concentration in the liquid is proportional to the partial pressure Partial pressure The pressure that would be exerted by one component of a mixture of gases if it were present alone in a container. Gas Exchange of the gas above the liquid.

A = K · pA

States of aggregation Aggregation The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin; collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. Coagulation Studies

Materials can assume different states of aggregation Aggregation The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin; collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. Coagulation Studies:

  • Solid
  • Liquid
  • Gas

Each of these 3 states of matter is associated with specific properties. Solids have a fixed shape and volume. Their particles are held together by cohesive forces. Liquids have no fixed shape and take the shape of their container. However, they have a fixed volume, with cohesive forces acting between the particles. Gaseous substances neither possess a definite shape nor a specific volume. Their particles exert only insignificant cohesive forces. These are the primary states of matter as they all occupy space and carry weight despite the differences in terms of cohesive bonds between the particles.

Energy is required to reach a higher state of aggregation Aggregation The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin; collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. Coagulation Studies (solid < liquid < gaseous), whereas energy is released when a lower state of aggregation Aggregation The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin; collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. Coagulation Studies or disaggregation occurs.

Aggregatzustandänderung_übersicht-en-300x178

Image by Lecturio.

Melting and solidification

The transition from a solid into a liquid state is called melting, whereas the reverse change is termed solidification.

Melting of a body occurs at its melting temperature. Melting and solidification temperatures are the same for a substance. During melting, the temperature remains constant despite the addition of heat Heat Inflammation to transform the material from solid to liquid state. Similarly, the solidification temperature remains constant despite the release of heat Heat Inflammation. Only after the solidification of the entire substance, further heat dissipation Heat Dissipation Heatstroke results in cooling of the solid. These 2 processes explain the disruptive effects of heat Heat Inflammation energy on the cohesive bonds in solids, resulting in conversion to a liquid state.

Vaporization and condensation

During vaporization, a substance changes from a liquid to a gaseous state. Condensation entails the reverse process.

There are 2 types of vaporization: Boiling involves the evaporation of a liquid when vapor bubbles form inside the liquid phase. The temperature of the liquid remains constant during boiling despite further heat Heat Inflammation supply. The boiling temperature is strongly dependent on the pressure of the liquid. The normal boiling temperature refers to the boiling temperature at atmospheric pressure Atmospheric pressure The pressure at any point in an atmosphere due solely to the weight of the atmospheric gases above the point concerned. Ventilation: Mechanics of Breathing of 1013 mbar. In the other type of vaporization known as evaporation, a liquid vaporizes below its boiling temperature. Evaporation occurs only on the liquid surface and at every temperature above 0. During evaporation, a liquid derives the required heat Heat Inflammation from its intrinsic energy and from the environment.

Example: When a person is sweating, the sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions. The energy in the form of heat Heat Inflammation is released. The body releases excess heat Heat Inflammation to prevent overheating.

‘Pure’ water is generated via evaporation and condensation of water during liquid treatment known as distillation. Distillation is generally recommended to purify water for drinking at home and for commercial applications.

Sublimation Sublimation A defense mechanism through which unacceptable impulses and instinctive urges are diverted into personally and socially acceptable channels; e.g., aggression may be diverted through sports activities. Defense Mechanisms

Many substances change directly from the solid to the gaseous state and vice versa, without any form of liquid, for e.g., the volatilization of naphthalene or the formation of ice crystals in the air. This phase transitions directly from solid to gas and vice versa is called sublimation Sublimation A defense mechanism through which unacceptable impulses and instinctive urges are diverted into personally and socially acceptable channels; e.g., aggression may be diverted through sports activities. Defense Mechanisms.

Vapor pressure Vapor pressure The contribution to barometric pressure of gaseous substance in equilibrium with its solid or liquid phase. Edema

In the case of ideal gases, pressure and volume are inversely proportional to each other. In the case of real gases, this inverse relationship is only accurate by approximation. When vapors change in volume, the pressure hardly changes. This difference between gases and vapors is based on the variation in temperature and pressure-dependent boiling point.

Vapor pressure Vapor pressure The contribution to barometric pressure of gaseous substance in equilibrium with its solid or liquid phase. Edema (p) does not depend on the volume of the vapor. It only depends on the temperature.

The vapor is saturated when the saturated vapor pressure Vapor pressure The contribution to barometric pressure of gaseous substance in equilibrium with its solid or liquid phase. Edema is reached, i.e., when it is at equilibrium Equilibrium Occurs when tumor cells survive the initial elimination attempt These cells are not able to progress, being maintained in a state of dormancy by the adaptive immune system. In this phase, tumor immunogenicity is edited, where T cells keep selectively attacking highly immunogenic tumor cells.This attack leaves other cells with less immunogenicity to potentially develop resistance to the immune response. Cancer Immunotherapy with the liquid pressure.

Gases are highly unsaturated vapors, with temperature is far above the boiling point that corresponds to their pressure.

Water vapor in the air

Since water constantly evaporates from the surface of all-natural bodies of water, the air always contains water vapor, which is mostly unsaturated. To become saturated, it must be cooled to a specific temperature known as the dew point. In case of cooling below the dew point, large water vapor is condensed so that only the water vapor corresponding to this temperature remains. The condensed water vapor appears in the form of fog, rain, snow or frost.

At each temperature, only a certain amount of water vapor can exist in a certain volume of air. The water vapor in the atmospheric air varies with time and location and is referred to as humidity. The maximum humidity is defined as the maximum amount of water vapor contained in one cubic meter of air at a certain temperature.

F (maximum) = Mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast of water vapor in the air / Volume of humid air

Critical temperature

The critical temperature of a gas is the temperature at which liquefaction is no longer possible, regardless of the increased pressure level. The corresponding isothermal curve shows an inflection point with a horizontal tangent at the critical pressure. Only below the critical temperature gases can be liquefied under pressure.

Real gases slightly cool down during reduced relaxation.

Triple point

The three states of aggregation Aggregation The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin; collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. Coagulation Studies can reach thermodynamic equilibrium Equilibrium Occurs when tumor cells survive the initial elimination attempt These cells are not able to progress, being maintained in a state of dormancy by the adaptive immune system. In this phase, tumor immunogenicity is edited, where T cells keep selectively attacking highly immunogenic tumor cells.This attack leaves other cells with less immunogenicity to potentially develop resistance to the immune response. Cancer Immunotherapy. When this equilibrium Equilibrium Occurs when tumor cells survive the initial elimination attempt These cells are not able to progress, being maintained in a state of dormancy by the adaptive immune system. In this phase, tumor immunogenicity is edited, where T cells keep selectively attacking highly immunogenic tumor cells.This attack leaves other cells with less immunogenicity to potentially develop resistance to the immune response. Cancer Immunotherapy, defined by pressure and temperature, exists, it is known as triple point.

Tripel_kritischer_punkt-300x235

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