Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The term "Isothermal" comes from the Greek words "isos" (equal) and "therme" (heat/temperature). In thermodynamics, it describes a process where the temperature of the system is held constant throughout.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
For an ideal gas in an isothermal process: \( \Delta T = 0 \).
This also implies that the change in internal energy \( \Delta U = 0 \) for an ideal gas.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
In an isothermal process, the system is usually in thermal contact with an external reservoir, and the process happens slowly enough to allow the system to continually adjust to the temperature of the reservoir through heat exchange. Because temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the molecules, keeping temperature constant means the thermal state of the system does not change.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The temperature of the system remains constant.