What are different approaches to study thermodynamics? We can understand thermodynamics from two viewpoints (or approaches). One is microscopic and another is macroscopic. Let us discuss each of them in detail. However, in Mechanical Engineering we only consider macroscopic approach. Macroscopic (or Classical) view In macroscopic approach we fix our attention to certain quantity of… Read More »
What is Thermodynamics? The word thermodynamics is derived from Greek words ‘Thermo’ and ‘Dynamics’. The word ‘Thermo’ means ‘Heat’. The word ‘Dynamics’ means ‘Force’. Hence the primitive concept of thermodynamics was to get power (or force) from hot bodies. This is the scope of thermodynamics which we study in Mechanical Engineering but scope of the… Read More »
Laws of thermodynamics Like every other science, thermodynamics is also governed by certain laws. There are basically four laws which are base of thermodynamics. These laws are Zeroth law of thermodynamics First law of thermodynamics Second law of thermodynamics Third law of thermodynamics Now let us discuss each of them one by one. Zeroth law… Read More »
Definition of pressure Pressure is defined as normal force exerted by a fluid on per unit area. Counterpart of pressure in solids is normal stress. SI unit of pressure is pascal (Pa). 1 Pa = 1 N/m2 Where: N is newton m is meter Units of pressure Pa Bar At Atm Torr Psi Types of… Read More »
What is a thermodynamic system? A thermodynamic system is an area (or volume) in space upon which study is concentrated. Everything outside the system is called surrounding. A system is separated from the surrounding with the help of a boundary. A boundary has zero thickness so it does not contain any matter. Types of boundaries… Read More »
In this article we will study the definition of pure substance and two property rule in detail. Pure Substance Let we first go through the definition of pure substance to understand its meaning. “A pure substance is defined as one that is homogeneous and invariable in chemical composition throughout its mass” To understand the definition… Read More »
Path function A Path function is a function whose value depends on the path followed by the thermodynamic process irrespective of the initial and final states of the process. An example of path function is the work done in a thermodynamic process. Work done in a thermodynamic process is dependent on the path followed by… Read More »