![isothermal process workdone isothermal process workdone](https://files.askiitians.com/cdn1/images/20141215-94939893-9546-untitled.png)
In the isothermal case, heat can enter the system. The gas-cooled by the expansion is colder than the ambient temperature.
![isothermal process workdone isothermal process workdone](https://forums.studentdoctor.net/proxy.php?image=http:%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FanSsC.png)
The work resulting from an isothermal expansion is greater than the work resulting from the same adiabatic expansion. It is found, for example, in the study of the Carnot cycle. It follows that the theoretical energy efficiency of an isothermal compression is less than 100%. Therefore, the theoretical energy efficiency of isothermal compression is less than using an adiabatic process (100%). The additional work corresponds to the thermal energy of the system lost. In the isothermal case, heat energy can leave the system. It means that the gas heated by compression is warmer than room temperature. The work done on the system required for isothermal compression is greater than the work required for the same adiabatic compression. It shows the behavior without thermal loss, which means an energy efficiency of exactly 100%. The adiabatic process is taken as the "ideal" theoretical reference. Comparison of the Work Between the Isothermal and the Adiabatic Process For the gas to expand, it must be supplied with heat. The amount of heat transferred is the same as the work done. In an isothermal expansion, the heat energy is absorbed, in a compression the heat energy is released. Keeping the temperature constant requires heat exchange with the outside. This work involves a variation of the internal energy and will tend to increase the temperature. In this process, work is carried out that alters the volume and pressure. Internal energy depends on temperature, pressure, and volume. This is the result of the fact that in an ideal gas there are no intermolecular forces. Therefore, in an isothermal process, the internal energy of an ideal gas is constant. This law states that the internal energy of a fixed quantity of an ideal gas depends only on temperature. This is a consequence of Joule's second law. In physics and thermodynamics, isothermal processes are of special interest for ideal gases. In biology, the interactions of a cell with its surrounding cells is done through isothermal processes.
![isothermal process workdone isothermal process workdone](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/workdonein-160227145140/95/work-done-in-isothermal-and-adiabatic-process-16-638.jpg)
Reactions in the refrigerator are isothermal and a constant temperature is maintained. Part of the Carnot cycle is performed and the temperature remains constant.