Thermodynamics: Extensive & Intensive Variables

State Function

Property describing a system's equilibrium state.

Spontaneity

Property not predicted numerically by thermodynamics.

Generality

Characteristic of thermodynamics, unlike mechanics.

Chemical Thermodynamics

Study of heat and work interrelation in chemistry.

Simple Systems

Homogeneous, isotropic, uncharged systems.

Internal Energy

Total energy of a system's microscopic particles.

Conjugate Variables

Pairs of variables related by a generalized force.

Thermodynamics

Sets limits on physical processes and relates properties.

Intensive Property

Physical property independent of system size.

Extensive Property

Property directly proportional to system size.

Bulk Property

Another term for an intensive property.

Extensive Quantity

Property directly related to system size.

Intensive Quantity

Property independent of system size.

Density

Example of an intensive property.

Mass

Example of an extensive property.

Extensive Property Ratio

Ratio of two extensive properties scaling similarly.

Macroscopic Systems

Systems in thermodynamics at a large scale.

Equation of State

Describes the state of matter in thermodynamics.

Postulate of Local Equilibrium

Assumption in thermodynamics for system behavior.

Equilibrium State

the state that results after the removal of internal constraints in a closed, composite system

Internal Energy (U)

characterizes a system macroscopically in thermodynamics

Equilibrium States

particular states of simple systems consistently described by thermodynamic theory

Thermodynamic Equilibrium

state where a system's properties remain unchanged over time

Thermodynamic Internal Energy (U)

energy of a system relative to a fiducial state

Isolated System

system where matter and energy cannot cross its boundary

Closed System

system where matter may not cross its boundary

Open System

system where heat, work, and matter may cross its boundary

Adiabatic System

system where heat may not cross its boundary

Diabatic System

system where heat can cross its boundary

Adiabatic Process

process where heat remains constant

Isobaric Process

process where pressure remains constant

Isochoric Process

process where volume remains constant

Isothermal Process

process where temperature remains constant

Isentropic Process

process where entropy remains constant

Isenthalpic Process

process where enthalpy remains constant

Quasistatic Process

process happening infinitely slowly in thermodynamics

Thermodynamic System

macroscopic region defined in thermodynamics

Surroundings

space outside a thermodynamic system studied using thermodynamic principles

Boundary

separates a system from its surroundings in thermodynamics

Redistribution of Variables

associated with processes redistributing quantities within a system

Quantitative Definition of Heat

quantitative measure of heat transfer in thermodynamics

Mechanical Equivalent of Heat

relationship between mechanical work and heat in thermodynamics

Measurability of Energy

ability to measure the energy of a thermodynamic system