Laws of Thermodynamics

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What is the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?

The Zeroth Law states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics also known as?

The First Law of Thermodynamics is also known as the Law of Energy Conservation.

State the First Law of Thermodynamics in equation form.

ΔU = Q - W, where ΔU is change in internal energy, Q is heat added to the system, and W is work done by the system.

What is the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

The Second Law states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.

How does the Second Law of Thermodynamics affect energy efficiency?

It implies all real-world energy processes are inefficient due to unavoidable entropy increase.

What is the concept of entropy?

Entropy is a measure of the randomness or disorder in a system.

State the Third Law of Thermodynamics.

As the temperature approaches absolute zero, the entropy of a perfect crystal approaches zero.

In what field of science are the thermodynamic laws most applicable?

Thermodynamic laws are most applicable in Physics.

What does thermal equilibrium mean?

Thermal equilibrium occurs when two objects in contact no longer exchange heat energy.

Give an example of the First Law of Thermodynamics in action.

Energy conversion in a car engine, where chemical energy in fuel becomes mechanical energy.

How does entropy relate to the direction of time?

Entropy's increase gives time its arrow, suggesting why time progresses forward but not backward.

What is an isolated system in thermodynamics?

An isolated system doesn't exchange energy or matter with its surroundings.

How does the concept of work relate to thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, work is energy transferred by mechanical means, like moving a piston.

Can entropy decrease in any system?

Entropy can locally decrease but must increase elsewhere, raising total system entropy.

What does it mean to reach thermal equilibrium?

Achieving thermal equilibrium means no heat exchange, indicating equal temperatures.

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