Thermodynamics - Class Notes

1. What is Thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of heat, energy, and work, and the
relationships between them. It is concerned with the macroscopic behavior of a system, rather than the
microscopic details.

2. Key Concepts in Thermodynamics

 System: The part of the universe we are studying (e.g., a gas in a piston, a steam engine).

 Surroundings: Everything outside the system (e.g., the walls of a container, the air around the
system).

 Boundary: The surface separating the system and surroundings.

 State: The condition of a system described by parameters like pressure, volume, temperature,
and energy.

 Process: A change in the state of the system, such as expansion or compression.

3. Laws of Thermodynamics

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics:

 If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, then they are in thermal
equilibrium with each other.

 Implication: This law defines temperature and allows us to use thermometers to measure
temperature.

First Law of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Energy):

 Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed. The change in the
internal energy of a system is equal to the heat added to the system minus the work done by the
system on its surroundings.

 Formula:
ΔU=Q−W\Delta U = Q - W

o ΔU\Delta U = Change in internal energy

o QQ = Heat added to the system

o WW = Work done by the system

Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy):

 The total entropy (a measure of disorder or randomness) of an isolated system can never
decrease over time. Entropy tends to increase, making natural processes irreversible.

 Implication: Heat cannot spontaneously flow from a colder body to a hotter body.
Third Law of Thermodynamics:

 As the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero (0 Kelvin), the entropy of the system
approaches a minimum (often considered zero).

 Implication: It’s impossible to reach absolute zero in a finite number of steps.

4. Work and Heat

 Work (W): The energy transferred by a system when it exerts a force over a distance. In
thermodynamics, work is typically associated with changes in volume of gases.

o For an expanding gas: W=PΔVW = P \Delta V

o Where PP is pressure and ΔV\Delta V is the change in volume.

 Heat (Q): The energy transferred due to temperature differences between the system and
surroundings.

5. Types of Thermodynamic Processes

 Isothermal Process: Occurs at a constant temperature. ΔT=0\Delta T = 0

o Heat flows in or out of the system to maintain temperature.

 Adiabatic Process: No heat exchange with the surroundings. Q=0Q = 0

o Energy transfer is only in the form of work.

 Isochoric (Iso-volumetric) Process: Volume remains constant. ΔV=0\Delta V = 0

o Work done on or by the system is zero.

 Isobaric Process: Pressure remains constant. ΔP=0\Delta P = 0

o Heat transfer results in a change in volume.

6. State Functions vs. Path Functions

 State Functions: Properties that depend only on the state of the system, not how the system
reached that state (e.g., pressure, temperature, volume, internal energy).

 Path Functions: Properties that depend on the path taken to reach the state (e.g., heat, work).

7. Thermodynamic Potentials

 Internal Energy (U): Energy associated with the microscopic components of a system.

 Enthalpy (H): The total heat content of a system, defined as H=U+PVH = U + PV.

 Helmholtz Free Energy (A): Used when temperature and volume are constant. A=U−TSA = U - TS.

 Gibbs Free Energy (G): Used when temperature and pressure are constant. G=H−TSG = H - TS.

8. Applications of Thermodynamics
  Engines and Refrigerators: The laws of thermodynamics govern the operation of engines
(converting heat into work) and refrigerators (transferring heat from cooler to warmer areas).

 Phase Changes: Thermodynamics explains phenomena like melting, boiling, and sublimation
(e.g., changes in state between solid, liquid, and gas).

 Chemical Reactions: Thermodynamics helps predict the direction of chemical reactions and the
equilibrium state.

9. Key Equations and Relationships

 Ideal Gas Law:

o PP = Pressure

o VV = Volume

o nn = Number of moles

o RR = Ideal gas constant

o TT = Temperature (in Kelvin)

 First Law in Differential Form:

o Where δQ\delta Q is the infinitesimal heat added and δW\delta W is the infinitesimal
work done.

10. Key Concepts to Remember

 Energy is conserved (First Law).

 Entropy increases in isolated systems (Second Law).

 Temperature is a measure of energy and defines thermal equilibrium (Zeroth Law).

 Absolute zero is unattainable (Third Law).