Thermodynamic Axioms: Establishing Temperature, Internal Energy & Entropy

In summary, the conversation discussed the three thermodynamic axioms - the zeroth law, the first law, and the second law - which explain the behavior of energy in a system. It was mentioned that temperature and internal energy are directly proportional, while heat and temperature are related but different concepts. The second law of thermodynamics was also discussed, which states that the total entropy of a closed system always increases or remains constant over time. This means that the universe tends towards a state of maximum entropy, or maximum disorder. Finally, the use of P-V diagrams to represent different thermodynamic processes and the relationship between pressure and volume in a system was also mentioned.
  • #1
swampwiz
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Is the purpose of the 0th, 1st & 2nd Laws of Thermodynamics simply to legitimate the thermodynamic properties of Temperature, Internal Energy & Entropy, respectively?

It seems that all these laws really do is establish that these properties are valid thermodynamic state properties and the underlying transitivity (0th), formula (1st) & constraint (2nd) that are fundamental axioms from which the science of thermodynamics can be constructed.
 
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  • #2
Do you think they might be of any use in quantifying design and operation of mechanical and chemical processing equipment?
 

1. What are the three main thermodynamic axioms?

The three main thermodynamic axioms are the zeroth law, the first law, and the second law. The zeroth law states that if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. The first law is the conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. The second law states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time.

2. How do thermodynamic axioms help establish temperature?

The zeroth law of thermodynamics is the basis for establishing temperature. It states that when two systems are in thermal equilibrium, they have the same temperature. This allows us to use a thermometer to measure the temperature of a system by comparing it to another system in thermal equilibrium.

3. What is internal energy in thermodynamics?

Internal energy in thermodynamics refers to the total energy of a system, including the kinetic and potential energy of its particles. It is a state function, meaning it only depends on the current state of the system and not on how it reached that state.

4. How is entropy related to thermodynamic axioms?

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. This means that entropy is a fundamental concept in understanding the behavior of thermodynamic systems and is closely related to the other thermodynamic axioms.

5. What are the practical applications of understanding thermodynamic axioms?

Understanding thermodynamic axioms is crucial for many practical applications, such as designing more efficient engines and power plants, predicting and controlling chemical reactions, and developing new materials with specific properties. It also allows us to better understand and predict the behavior of various natural and industrial processes.

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