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Chapter 10

Thermodynamics

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

In this chapter you will learn how to:

calculate changes in the internal energy of an ideal gas

calculate work done in thermodynamics

apply the first law of thermodynamics

use the first law to understand thermodynamic processes

identify and understand isovolumetric, isobaric, isothermal and adiabatic processes

apply the concept of entropy

understand a statistical interpretation of entropy

understand the second law of thermodynamics in terms of entropy

calculate work done by a heat engine

understand why the Carnot cycle is the most efficient cycle for given operating temperatures

GUIDING questions

●How does the law of conservation of energy apply to thermodynamic systems?

●Is there a limit to how much thermal energy can be converted to mechanical work?