Basic Concepts of Thermodynamics

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The study of the effects of work, heat flow, and energy on a system.

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Thermodynamics

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What are the Greek origins of the word thermodynamics?

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Therme (heat) and dynamis (power).

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A certain quantity of matter or the space which is under thermodynamic study or analysis.

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Thermodynamic system.

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A physical or imaginary surface enveloping the system and separating it from the surroundings.

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Boundary

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A system in which there is a transfer of both mass and energy across its boundary.

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open system

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A system in which there is a transfer of energy but no transfer of mass across its boundary.

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closed system

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A system in which there is no transfer of both mass and energy across its boundary.

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isolated system

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Properties that do not depend on the mass of the system (e.g., temperature, pressure).

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intensive properties

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Properties that depend on the size of the system (e.g., mass, volume).

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extensive properties

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The energy content of a given system defined by variables such as temperature, pressure, volume, and composition.

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thermodynamic state