Thermodynamics/What is thermodynamics?

This chapter will introduce the science of thermodynamics through several complementary definitions.

The science of energy exchange

Systems

This is what we're interested in. It can be any entity, object, or region of space.

For example, imagine a box enclosing a space in the sun. The box, corresponding to our system, receives energy in the form of radiation, so the temperature inside increases. We can study the temperature variation of this box, as well as the variation in pressure, quantity of matter, volume, entropy, etc. over time. These measurable points of data are called "state variables," and they define the state of the system.

In thermodynamics, we can also study the interaction between two or more systems. For example, if two enclosures are adjacent to each other, with different temperatures at time zero, and if heat transfer is possible, then over time, these two enclosures will gradually reach the same temperature, and come into thermal equilibrium.

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