Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.
Define the first law of thermodynamics.
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.
What is internal energy?
Internal energy is the total energy contained within a system, arising from the kinetic and potential energies of its molecules.
Explain the concept of thermal equilibrium.
Thermal equilibrium occurs when two objects in contact no longer exchange heat, reaching the same temperature.
What is the second law of thermodynamics?
The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.
Describe entropy in simple terms.
Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system.
What is a heat engine?
A heat engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical work.
Define isothermal process.
An isothermal process is a thermodynamic process that takes place at constant temperature.
What is an adiabatic process?
An adiabatic process is a process in which no heat is exchanged with the surroundings.
Explain the concept of reversible processes.
Reversible processes are idealized processes that can be reversed without leaving any change in both the system and the surroundings.
What is the significance of the Carnot cycle?
The Carnot cycle is a theoretical cycle that represents the most efficient heat engine possible under the laws of thermodynamics.
What does the zeroth law of thermodynamics state?
The zeroth law of thermodynamics states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
Define specific heat capacity.
Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat required to change the temperature of a unit mass of a substance by one degree Celsius.
What is the thermal conductivity of a material?
Thermal conductivity is a measure of a material's ability to conduct heat.
Explain the principle of a refrigerator in terms of thermodynamics.
A refrigerator works by removing heat from its interior and expelling it to the surrounding environment, effectively moving heat from a cooler space to a warmer one.