TABLE OF CONTENTS Thermodynamics, literally meaning a flow of heat, is concerned with the chemical and physical processes that involve the conversion of one form of energy into another form. It is a branch of physical science dealing with the quantitative relation between heat and mechanical energy. Broadly speaking, it deals with the relationship of heat to all other forms of energy, light, kinetic energy, and so on. It aims to determine the efficiency of various types of engines, that is the percentage of heat supplied is converted into mechanical energy. Thermodynamics also helps us determine the criteria for predicting the feasibility of changes, including chemical changes under a given set of conditions, and the extent to which such changes may proceed before attaining equilibrium.
Following are important terms in thermodynamics:
Thermodynamic system: Any portion of matter under consideration that is separated from the surroundings by real or imaginary boundaries. The system is called homogeneous if it is uniform throughout ( e.g., pure solid, gas). On the other hand, the system is called heterogeneous if it consists of two or more different phases ( e.g., ice in contact with water, alloys).
Surroundings: The rest of the universe around the sysem (system + surrounding = universe). Any real or imaginary layer separating the system and the surroundings is the boundary, through which matter and energy may be exchanged between the two. Ordinarily, surroundings means a water or air bath.
Open system:...
