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• Thermodynamics is a relatively simple branch of physics. It is used to measure the effects of changes in temperature. Thermodynamics studies how energy moves. Early study of this involved the invention of the vacuum, and the discovery of the relationship between temperature, volume, and pressure. There are four laws of thermodynamics.

• Fast Facts

  1. Used to measure changes in temperature, pressure, and volume on physical systems
  2. Two instruments to measure: the reservoir and the meter
  3. [http: //www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Mathematicians/Carnot_Sadi.html Sadi Carnot] (1796-1832) is known as the father of Thermodynamics

• Laws of Thermodynamics

  • Zeroth: "If two thermodynamic systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other."

  • First: "The increase in the internal energy of a system is equal to the amount of energy added by heating the system, minus the amount lost as a result of the work done by the system on its surroundings."

  • Second: "The entropy of an isolated system which is not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium."

  • Third: "As a system approaches absolute zero, all processes cease and the entropy of the system approaches a minimum value."

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Entropy | Physics | Heat | Temperature | Mechanical Engineering

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