Category: thermodynamics

General statement of the problem. Computing flame temperature for the complete reaction. Computing equilibrium composition at given temperature and pressure. From Carnot cycle to chemical thermodynamics.

Clausius inequality for an isolated system. The simplest example of heat death. The fundamental inequality of thermodynamics. Local and global equilibrium. Construction of thermodynamics.

Calorimeter and state functions. The fundamental equation of thermodynamics. Legendre transform and new state functions – enthalpy, Helmholtz energy, Gibbs energy. Thermodynamic tables.

Steam engines. Heat and calorimetry. Main stages in the development of thermodynamics – Carnot cycle, Mechanical equivalent of heat. First and second laws of thermodynamics. Equilibrium and reversible processes.

Maxwell on temperature. Thermal equation of state. From the history of thermometry. Ideal gas and absolute temperature scale. Mathematics of the thermal equation of state. From temperature to temperature field.

A burning candle as an example to discuss thermodynamic phases. A description of the drawing from Sadi Carnot’s book – it will be used in this part. Outline of this part.

Einstein on phenomenological and fundamental theories of physics. The problem of coordination and experimental science. Continuum mechanics. Statistical mechanics. Outline of the book.

Three parts. Classical Thermodynamics. Statistical Mechanics. What does physics say?