Which of the following best describes the concept of a 'Process' in thermodynamics?

Which of the following best describes the concept of a 'Process' in thermodynamics?

• A. A state of equilibrium
• B. A change of state due to energy interaction
• C. An extensive property
• D. A measure of temperature

Answer: (B)

The concept of a 'Process' in thermodynamics is best described as a change of state due to energy interaction. In thermodynamics, a process refers to any transformation that a system undergoes in which it changes from one state to another, typically involving heat and work exchange. For example, when a gas is heated and expands, it undergoes a process characterized by energy interaction, leading to a new state defined by different pressure, temperature, and volume. In contrast, a state of equilibrium refers to a condition where a system's macroscopic properties do not change over time, and there is no net flow of energy or matter. An extensive property, like mass or volume, is a characteristic that depends on the amount of substance in the system, rather than describing a transition between states. A measure of temperature relates to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance but does not describe the dynamics or changes occurring in a system.

The concept of a 'Process' in thermodynamics is best described as a change of state due to energy interaction. In thermodynamics, a process refers to any transformation that a system undergoes in which it changes from one state to another, typically involving heat and work exchange. For example, when a gas is heated and expands, it undergoes a process characterized by energy interaction, leading to a new state defined by different pressure, temperature, and volume.

In contrast, a state of equilibrium refers to a condition where a system's macroscopic properties do not change over time, and there is no net flow of energy or matter. An extensive property, like mass or volume, is a characteristic that depends on the amount of substance in the system, rather than describing a transition between states. A measure of temperature relates to the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance but does not describe the dynamics or changes occurring in a system.