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Thermodynamics
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Thermodynamics
Importance
Thermodynamics is an important part of physics, chemistry, and engineering. Therefore, it is a critical area of study for those in science and technology. Thermodynamics also finds importance in ecology, energy, and other studies. In addition analogous concepts (especially those analogous to entropy) are used in information theory/computer science and even social sciences.
This Project
This project is to teach this important subject. It is a work in progress and will be expanded as time goes on. At this time there is only coverage of basics of the first law and the second law. Feel free to visit the site frequently.
This project is designed for multiple levels - in other words, it will be flexible enough that it can be used by those with little math, intermediate level students, and by college level students.
Sections labeled ...(simplified) are sections that require only algebra. Most other sections require only basic calculus (high school level should be sufficient).
Some optional sections may, however, require more advanced math, but none should be above an undegraduate level.
Some sections will be optional. They may be omitted. The exception to this are some optional sections that may require another optional section.
| Teach the important field of thermodynamics
Show applications of thermodynamics to a wide range of fields of study Have a flexible approach that can be used at various levels Help students develop their problem solving skills |
| Basic understanding of physics
Some math may be needed for some sections, see above |
Outline
The below outline is (so far) only those sections written. As mentioned above it is designed for both students with knowledge of derivatives and those without. If a section is in both lists then it has no math or only algebra, but is important to the study of thermodynamics.
Full version
- What is this thing called Thermodynamics???
- Definitions
- Thermal Equilibrium and Zeroth Law
- Limitations
- Work, Heat, Energy, and the First Law
- Derivatives
- Thermodynamics/Reversibility, Enthalpy, and Heat Capacity
- Things to Think About
- Observations and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
- Alternative Approach - Clausis Inequality
- Consequences of the Second Law
- Carnot Principle - motivation and examples
Simplified version (no calculus)
| Work in progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page. |
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