Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the laws that govern the properties of systems containing heat, the movement of energy or heat through a system, as well as the conversion of energy forms (such as light, mechanical or chemical) into heat and vice versa. It is derived from two Greek words, thermos and dynamic, literally translated as “the change of heat”.
Thermodynamics functions on the base assumption that all systems in the universe, no matter how isolated or small, contain within themselves a degree of measurable energy, known as the system’s internal energy. That measure of energy remains constant for as long as the system remains in isolation. However, once that system comes into contact with other systems, its internal energy can increase or decrease depending on the output of work, the transfer of heat between the systems or the transfer of mass.
There are three fundamental laws in thermodynamics: the Conservation of Energy (energy can be transferred between systems, but cannot be made or destroyed), Entropy (when there is no transfer of energy, the energy of a system is always less than that of its initial state) and Absolute Zero (if a perfect crystal of an element is at the absolute zero of temperature, then its entropy is zero). Another basic law, Zeroth, states that if two thermodynamic systems are in thermal equilibrium with the same environment then they are also in equilibrium with each other.
Web Resources On Thermodynamics
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Wikipedia: Thermodynamics
Book Resources On ThermodynamicsThermodynamics: An Engineering Approach by Yunus A. Cengel, Michael A. Boles
Schaum's Outline of Engineering Thermodynamics by Merle Potter
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