Thermodynamics Study Guide
Thermodynamics Study Guide
heat, work, and energy. In engineering, thermodynamics is crucial as it forms the basis
for understanding and designing systems involving energy transfer, such as engines,
refrigeration systems, and power plants. Engineers use thermodynamics principles to
optimize energy conversion processes, improve efficiency, and ensure the sustainability
of energy systems.
An open system allows both energy and matter to be exchanged with its
surroundings. Examples include a pot of boiling water or a car engine.
A closed system allows only energy but not matter to be exchanged with its
surroundings. A sealed container with gas inside is an example.
An isolated system doesn't allow either energy or matter to be exchanged with
its surroundings. However, true isolated systems are theoretical and often
approximated in practice, such as a perfectly insulated thermos.
Internal energy is the sum of all microscopic forms of energy in a system, including
kinetic and potential energies of particles. It's related to work and heat transfer through
the first law of thermodynamics. When a system undergoes a change, its internal
energy may change due to the addition or removal of heat (QQQ) and the work (WWW)
done by or on the system.
Second Law of Thermodynamics: The second law states that in any natural
process, the total entropy of an isolated system always increases over time, or at best
remains constant in ideal cases. This law has several implications:
Third Law of Thermodynamics: The third law states that as the temperature of a
system approaches absolute zero (000 Kelvin), its entropy also approaches a minimum
value. This law is significant because it provides a reference point for absolute entropy
calculations and helps define the concept of absolute entropy.
Reversible processes are idealized processes that can be reversed without any
loss of energy or increase in entropy. They occur very slowly and are often used
in theoretical models. Examples include ideal gas expansions or contractions.
Irreversible processes are real-world processes that cannot be reversed
without external intervention. They involve energy losses, entropy increases, and
are common in everyday phenomena like heat transfer, friction, and chemical
reactions. The second law of thermodynamics governs irreversible processes by
dictating the direction of spontaneous change towards increased entropy.
Definitions of Processes:
PV and TS Diagrams:
Work done (WWW): Calculated using W=∫P dVW = \int P \, dVW=∫PdV for
processes where pressure varies.
Heat transfer (QQQ): Determined by the change in internal energy and work
done using ΔU=Q−W\Delta U = Q - WΔU=Q−W.
Change in internal energy (ΔU\Delta UΔU): Calculated using the first law of
thermodynamics: ΔU=Q−W\Delta U = Q - WΔU=Q−W.
Ideal Gases:
Under an isothermal process, ideal gases obey the equation PV=nRTPV =
nRTPV=nRT, where PPP is pressure, VVV is volume, nnn is the number of
moles, RRR is the gas constant, and TTT is temperature.
Under an adiabatic process, ideal gases follow the relationship
PVγ=constantPV^\gamma = \text{constant}PVγ=constant, where γ\gammaγ is
the ratio of specific heats.
Isobaric and isochoric processes have specific volume changes or pressure
changes, but ideal gases follow similar laws as mentioned above.
Applications of Thermodynamics