General Physics (Laws of Thermodynamics Exam)

10/19/2026

Heat

is a form of energy that flows from a hotter object to a cooler one due to a temperature difference.

Surroundings

The air and the environment that receive the heat.

System

here heat is transferred.

Heat source

provides thermal energy (heat)

Thermodynamics

The study of heat, energy, work, and how energy changes form

Open, closed, and isolated sustem

3 types of system

Open system

A system where energy and matter can pass through

Closed system

A system where matter cannot pass through, while energy can

Isolated system

A system where neither matter or energy can pass through

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Heat cannot spontaneously flow from a colder object to a hotter object.

Entropy

is a measure of the disorder of a system or energy unavailable to do work.

Third Law of Thermodynamics

As temperature approaches absolute zero (0 K), the entropy of a perfect crystal approaches zero.

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

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

Conduction, Convection, and Radiation

Rules of Heat Transfer

Conduction

the process where thermal or electrical energy moves through a substance via direct physical contact between neighboring atoms, molecules, or charged particles.

Usually happens in solids

Convection

The transfer of heat and thermal energy through the physical movement of liquids or gases.
Usually happens in fluids

Radiation

the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or through a material medium.

Usually in a form of rays and doesn’t need a mediun