Thermodynamics

A thermodynamics course covers the fundamental principles governing energy and its transformations, focusing on the relationships between heat, work, and properties of matter. The core of the course is built around the four laws of thermodynamics and their application to various systems.

1. Zeroth Law: If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other. This law establishes temperature as a valid measure of thermal equilibrium.
2. First Law: The law of conservation of energy. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another.
3. Second Law: The total entropy of an isolated system (the universe) can only increase over time. This explains the directionality of spontaneous processes (e.g., heat flows from hot to cold) and the limits of engine efficiency.
4. Third Law: As the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero, its entropy approaches a constant minimum value (zero for a perfect crystal).