isobaric
Definition
- Adjective:
- Meteorology: "Isobaric" refers to a line on a weather map connecting points of equal atmospheric pressure.
- Chemistry: "Isobaric" describes a process or system in which pressure remains constant, often used in thermodynamics.
Usage Examples
- Meteorology:
- The isobaric lines on the map indicate areas of low and high pressure. (Lines connecting equal atmospheric pressure.)
- Chemistry:
- In an isobaric process, the gas expands while the pressure stays unchanged. (A process with constant pressure.)
Advanced Usage
- "Isobaric process": In thermodynamics, a process where the pressure of a system remains constant.
- The isobaric expansion of a gas is common in heat engines. (Pressure does not vary during the expansion.)
- "Isobaric surface": In meteorology, a surface of constant atmospheric pressure in the atmosphere.
- Meteorologists study isobaric surfaces to predict wind patterns. (Surfaces where pressure is uniform.)
Variants and Related Words
- Isobar (n): a line on a map connecting points of equal pressure.
- The isobar shows a region of high pressure over the ocean. (A line of equal pressure.)
- Isotonic (adj): having equal osmotic pressure (related but distinct in chemistry).
Synonyms
- Constant-pressure: describing a process where pressure does not change.
- The constant-pressure reaction chamber is used in experiments. (Synonym for isobaric in chemistry.)
- Equal-pressure: relating to equal atmospheric pressure.
- Equal-pressure lines help forecast weather. (Synonym in meteorology.)
Related Idioms
- "On an isobaric path": metaphorically, following a steady course without change in pressure or stress.
- The negotiations remained on an isobaric path, with no sudden demands. (Steady and unchanging.)
Additional Notes
- Etymology: Derived from Greek "isos" (equal) and "baros" (weight or pressure).
- Usage in Physics: Often contrasted with "isochoric" (constant volume) and "isothermal" (constant temperature) processes.