Answer to Question #169512 in Molecular Physics | Thermodynamics for Khushi

Question

Explain the five types of boundaries with one example each (other than the ones discussed in the study material) encountered in the thermodynamic systems.

Answer 1

1. Fixed boundary:

A boundary incapable of movement during flow of energy between the system and surrounding.

E.g. Fixed boundary is like filled in Gas cylinders.

2. Movable boundary:

A boundary capable to move during energy transfer between the system and surrounding by expanding or compressing the system inside.

E.g. piston cylinder arrangement in a engine.

3. Real boundary:

A well defined margin between system and surrounding .

E.g. If a room is a thermodynamics system then the boundary around it is a real boundary if windows and doors are closed

4. Imaginary boundary:

A imaginary line is considered during study of a system that is not precisely separated from the surrounding.

E.g. If a room is a thermodynamics system then the boundary around it is a real boundary if windows and doors are open.

5. Adiabatic boundary:

A type of boundary that don't allow any exchange of heat and mass between system and surrounding.

E.g. Walls of thermoflux