Entropy and Thermodynamics Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts related to entropy and thermodynamics from lecture notes.

Entropy

A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system; it quantifies the second law of thermodynamics.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

States that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time, and is constant only in ideal cases.

Clausius Inequality

The cyclic integral of dQ/T is always less than or equal to zero, indicating the impossibility of a perfectly efficient process.

Reversible Process

An idealized process that can be reversed without changing the system and surroundings.

Isothermal Process

A process that occurs at a constant temperature, often involving heat exchange.

Internally Reversible Process

A process that can be returned to its initial state without any change in entropy.

Isentropic Process

A process that operates with no change in entropy, often approximating reversible and adiabatic conditions.

Entropy Generation

The increase in entropy resulting from irreversibilities in thermodynamic processes.

Thermodynamic Temperature Scale

A scale that relates temperatures between hot and cold reservoirs, defined by the relationship QH/QL = TH/TL.

Specific Entropy

Entropy per unit mass, often denoted as 's' and measured in kJ/kg·K.

T-s Diagram

A graphical representation of the relationship between temperature and entropy.

h-s Diagram

Also known as the Mollier diagram, it represents the relationship between enthalpy and entropy.

Net Entropy Transfer

The sum of entropy transferred into and out of a system via heat and mass flow.

Closed System

A physical system that does not allow matter to enter or leave, but can exchange energy with its surroundings.

Open System

A system that can exchange both matter and energy with its surroundings.

Heat Transfer

The movement of thermal energy from one object to another due to a temperature difference.

Work Transfer

The energy transfer that occurs when a force is applied to move an object.