An isentropic process is characterized by what condition?

An isentropic process is defined as a thermodynamic process that occurs at constant entropy. This implies that there is no heat transfer to or from the system, and the process is both adiabatic (no heat exchange) and reversible. In such processes, any change in internal energy is solely due to work done on or by the system, without any increase in entropy.

The idea of constant entropy means that the system is not subject to any irreversible effects such as friction or turbulence, which typically result in an increase in entropy. Because the entropy remains constant, one can analyze the process using specific relations and equations related to ideal gases, which greatly simplifies the calculations associated with thermodynamic cycles.

Understanding isentropic processes is critical in various applications, including turbine and compressor efficiency assessments in thermodynamics. This condition helps engineers and scientists optimize energy systems and predict performance under ideal circumstances.