Contents
Explore the Lessons
General Introduction
The nature of thermodynamics.
A History of Thermodynamics and Calorimetry
From the caloric theory to Clausius's entropy.
Fundamental Concepts
Equilibrium, walls, state variables and functions, and thermodynamic transformations.
The First Law of Thermodynamics
Work, heat, internal energy, and the first law.
Application to the Ideal Gas
Application of the first law to ideal-gas transformations.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Understanding the direction of thermodynamic processes and the limits of heat engines through entropy.
Mathematical Structure: The Fundamental Relations
From the fundamental equation to equations of state and equilibrium conditions.
Calorimetric and Thermoelastic Coefficients
Connecting heat, expansion, and compressibility to measurable properties and stability.
Thermodynamic Potentials
Thermodynamic potentials, experimental constraints, equilibrium, and available work.
Phase Transitions
Phase diagrams, instabilities, and the Van der Waals gas.
Heat Engines and Refrigerators
Study thermodynamic cycles, their efficiency, and the performance of refrigeration machines.
Thermodynamics of Radiation
Describe thermal radiation and the properties of a black body.