Topic outline

  • General

  • Study Unit One

    • Study Unit 1 File

      Introduction to Thermodynamics, Basic Definition of term, and Laws of Thermodynamics

      Most of this course will be concerned with understanding the patterns of energy change. More specifically, thermodynamics deals with (a) energy conversion and (b) the direction of change. The basis of thermodynamics is experimental observation. In that sense, it is an empirical science. The principles of thermodynamics are summarized in the form of four laws known as zeroth, first, second, and third laws of thermodynamics. The zeroth law of thermodynamics deals with thermal equilibrium and provides a means of measuring temperature. The first law of thermodynamics deals with the conservation of energy and introduces the concept of internal energy. The second law of thermodynamics dictates the limits on the conversion of heat into work and provides the yard stick to measure the performance of various processes. It also tells whether a particular process is feasible or not and specifies the direction in which a process will proceed. As a consequence, it also introduces the concept of entropy. The third law defines the absolute zero of entropy.

  • Study Unit Two

    • Introduction File

      This study unit is a continuation of study unit 1, it discusses further the limitations and application of the first law of thermodynamics. The unit presented the Second law (Kalvin Planks and Clausius Statements), Carnot cycles, and the stages involved are also discussed in detail and the unit concludes with thermodynamics potentials and their derivations.  

      At the end of this unit, you should be able to;

      I        Discuss the limitations of the first law of thermodynamics as it relates to thermal reservoirs, heat engines,s and heat pump

      ii        Explain the application of the first law and derive the mathematical implications of each

      iii      Define and explain the principles of the Second Law of thermodynamics

      iv      Describe Carnot Cycle and explain the stages involved in the process

      v        Define entropy and apply it to Second Law

      vi      Derive the mathematical expression for thermodynamics potentials.

  • Topic 3