In thermodynamics, what does 'adiabatic' imply?

In thermodynamics, the term 'adiabatic' specifically refers to processes in which no heat is exchanged between the system and its surroundings. This means that any change in the internal energy of the system is solely due to work done on or by the system.

In an adiabatic process, the system is insulated so that heat cannot flow into or out of it. As a result, all of the energy transferred goes into changing the temperature or phase of the system rather than being dissipated through heat exchange. This characteristic allows for the analysis of thermodynamic systems where temperature changes occur without the influence of heat transfer, making it essential for understanding various physical and engineering applications, such as in adiabatic expansion and compression of gases.

In contrast, constant temperature (isothermal), constant pressure (isobaric), and constant volume (isochoric) refer to specific constraints on other types of thermodynamic processes that do involve heat transfer or work under varying conditions.