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We know that $PV^{\gamma}=constant $. There are also 2 more equations which relates $P$ & $T$ and $V$ & $R$. Is there any equation which relates all these 3 things like ideal gas equation?

Also does the adiabatic process obey the ideal gas equation? How can this be? How can $PV^{\gamma}=constant$ and $PV=constant$ be true at the same time? (When $T$ is cconstant)

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  • $\begingroup$ There's the combined gas law, maybe? $\endgroup$
    – Kyle Kanos
    Commented Oct 23, 2018 at 13:51
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    $\begingroup$ In adiabatic processes, the temperature must change. $\endgroup$
    – Bill N
    Commented Oct 23, 2018 at 18:05

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The ideal gas law is not PV=const. The ideal gas law is PV=nRT. If T is varying through a process, PV is not constant.

In an adiabatic reversible process, the temperature is varying in tandem with the pressure and volume changes. So $PV^{\gamma}=const.$ and PV=nRT are both satisfied simultaneously at all points along the process path. Another way of expressing this is: $$PV^{\gamma}=P_iV_i^{\gamma}$$and $$\frac{PV}{T}=\frac{P_iV_i}{T_i}$$where the subscript i refers to the initial state of the system. So you have 2 equations and three parameters. Once you specify one of these parameters at a point along the adiabatic reversible process path, the other two parameters are uniquely determined.

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  • $\begingroup$ What happens when T is constant? $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 23, 2018 at 17:19
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    $\begingroup$ T is never constant for an adiabatic reversible process (unless the initial state is the same as the final state - i.e., no process at all) $\endgroup$ Commented Oct 23, 2018 at 17:24
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Adiabatic process is a process where no heat exchange occurs between the system and the surroundings. An equation of state is defined only for a state, not an entire process. In an adiabatic process, the product $PV^\gamma$ will remain constant.

$PV$ is constant for an isothermal process not an adiabatic process. So both $PV$ and $PV^\gamma$ wont be constant for the same process.

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