adiabatic heating

Adiabatic heating occurs when a gas is compressed without exchanging heat with its surroundings. As the gas is compressed, its molecules are forced closer together, causing them to move more rapidly. This increase in molecular activity raises the temperature of the gas. For example, when air is compressed in a bicycle pump, it heats up because the compression increases the temperature internally, rather than through contact with external heat sources. This process is fundamental in understanding natural phenomena like thunderstorms and practical applications like diesel engines.