Basic Thermodynamic Concepts And Definitions

Basic Thermodynamic Concepts

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that involves the relationship between heat, work and temperature and other forms of energy. The word thermodynamics can be split up in two: Thermo which refers to heat and dynamics which refers to motion and is the study of:

• The movement of heat.
• Heat and work.

Thermodynamics is expressed in terms of four laws that are universally valid and cannot ever be broken:

• 0^th law – Defines temperature (T)
• 1^st law – Defines energy (U)
• 2^nd law – Defines entropy (S)
• 3^rd law – The numerical value of entropy

Basic Thermodynamic Definitions

These are a list of some of the most important phrases used in thermodynamics and need to be remembered, they are straightforward and self-explanatory so won’t require a lot of effort to remember.

• System: Quantity of matter of fixed identity of the universe that we are studying.
• Surroundings: Rest of the universe.
• Boundary: Surface splitting the system from the surroundings.
• Open system: Mass and energy can move between the system and the surroundings.
• Closed system: Only energy can transfer between the system and the surrounding and not mass.
• Isolated system: No mass or energy can be transferred between the system and surroundings.