Thermodynamics is the
science of energy transfer which deals with the relations among heat, work and
properties of systems.The name ‘thermodynamics’ is
derived from the Greek words therme, meaning ‘heat’ and
dynamis meaning power. Thus, thermodynamics is basically the study of heat and
power.
Application:
Statistical Thermodynamics
is microscopic approach in which, the matter is assumed to be made of numerous
individual molecules. Hence, it can be
regarded as a branch of statistical mechanics dealing with the average
behaviour of a large number of molecules.
Classical thermodynamics is
macroscopic approach. Here, the matter
is considered to be a continuum without any concern to its atomic structure.
Consider a gas in a container. Pressure exerted at the wall of the
container is the average force per unit area due to the collision of the gas
molecules on the wall surface. To determine this pressure, we need not know the
behaviour of individual molecules of the gas. This approach is macroscopic approach. However, the results obtained from macroscopic and
statistical study of matter.
Types of Thermodynamic Systems
There are three types of
thermodynamic systems :
a) Closed
System
b) Open
System and
c) Isolated
System
Thermodynamic
Properties
In all
thermodynamic problems energy transfer to or from the system is observed. To
receive, store and deliver energy a working substance is present within the
system. The characteristics which can be used to describe the condition of the
system are known as properties.
Thermodynamic properties are classified into two
categories : intensive and extensive.
