Chapter 1 - Thermodynamics: principles and fundamentals

Abstract

This book is divided into two parts, and it covers a full range of topics in macroscopic and statistical thermodynamics. We define the essential thermodynamic functions, systems, processes, types of energy, and the ideal gas main properties. The discussion will be concerned with the variables that describe the state of a system. Avogadro's law, Boyle's law, and Charles' law are explored and used to prove the relationship among volume, pressure, temperature, and number of moles for the ideal gas. The significance of the ideal gas law and Euler's criterion for exactness are laid out. Emphasis is also placed on the kinetic theory to rationalize quantitatively the values of pressure, temperature, and volume of the ideal gas. The compression factor and virial coefficient are used to express the real gas law and to define each of the critical pressure, critical volume, and critical temperature. This section also presents how van der Waal constructs his equation for a real gas. The critical constants and van der Waals equation in the reduced form are examined. Cubic expansion and isothermal compressibility coefficients are investigated. Partial derivatives with respect to the temperature, pressure, and volume are used to express the total differential, furthermore, to write an expression for the finite change. Then we review, the relationships and the interdependence among temperature, pressure, volume, and amount are addressed. Gas laws and factors that govern and influence the behavior of these four basic variables are considered. This section concludes with a discussion on thermal equilibrium and by the zero law of thermodynamics.