Thermodynamic

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat, work, and temperature, and their relation to energy, radiation, and physical properties of matter. The behavior of these quantities is governed by the four laws of thermodynamics which convey a quantitative description using measurable macroscopic physical quantities, but may be explained in terms of microscopic constituents by statistical mechanics.

Overview

Thermodynamics applies to a wide variety of topics in science and engineering, especially physical chemistry, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering, but also in other complex fields such as meteorology.

History

The initial application of thermodynamics to mechanical heat engines was quickly extended to the study of chemical compounds and chemical reactions. Chemical thermodynamics studies the nature of the role of entropy in the process of chemical reactions and has provided the bulk of expansion and knowledge of the field.

Laws of Thermodynamics

The four laws of thermodynamics define fundamental physical quantities (temperature, energy, and entropy) that characterize thermodynamic systems. The laws describe how these quantities behave under various circumstances, and forbid certain phenomena.

Zeroth law

The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

First law

The first law of thermodynamics is a version of the law of conservation of energy, adapted for thermodynamic systems.

Second law

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.

Third law

The third law of thermodynamics is a statistical law of nature regarding entropy and the impossibility of reaching absolute zero of temperature.

See also

• Heat
• Work (physics)
• Energy
• Radiation
• Physical properties of matter
• Statistical mechanics
• Physical chemistry
• Chemical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Meteorology
• Entropy
• Zeroth law of thermodynamics
• First law of thermodynamics
• Second law of thermodynamics
• Third law of thermodynamics

Thermodynamic Resources
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