Thermodynamics Introduction

Thermodynamics

The study of the effects of work, heat, and energy on a system.

Thermal energy

Kinetic energy transit from one object to another due to temperature difference.

Temperature

Average kinetic energy in transit from one object to another to temperature difference.

Thermal equilibrium

When touching objects within a system are at the same temperature and the ability to do work is gone.

First law of thermodynamics

Law of energy conservation applied to a thermal system. Energy is not created nor destroyed.

Second law of thermodynamics

Law that thermal energy flows from hot to cold.

Entropy

Measure of how evenly distributed heat is within a system.

Conduction

The transfer of heat or electric currents from one substance to another by direct contact/ molecular activity.

Connection

The transfer of heat through a fluid caused by molecular motion.

Radiation

Energy that is radiated or transmitted in the form of particles, rays, or waves in a medium.

P

Rate of energy transfer.

P units

W or J/s

Q

Total energy transfer.

Q units

J

m

Mass of the material.

m units

kg

c

Specific heat capacity.

c units

J/kg•°C

Δt

Change in time or elapsed time.

Δt units

s

k

Thermal conductivity.

k units

J/s•m•°C (mass)

A

Area of thermal conductivity.

A units

m² (meters)

L

Thickness of materials.

L units

m (meters)

ΔT

Difference in temperature.

ΔT units

°C