Kinetic theory derivation of the adiabatic law for ideal gases

Abstract

We show how the adiabatic law for ideal gases can be derived from the assumption of a Maxwell–Boltzmann (or any other) distribution of velocities—in contrast to the usual derivation from thermodynamics alone. We also discuss the higher-order effect that leads to one-body viscosity. We give a more elementary derivation of the adiabatic law suitable for introductory classes.