Thermodynamics Paper

The study of thermodynamics is the study of systems that are too large to understand by mechanics alone. For many years, thermodynamics was understood vaguely, and many of the results had been determined only experimentally. Some results posed great theoretical challenges to physicists, who offered many unsuccessful attempts at explaining the origins of the formulas. With the advent of quantum mechanics came the explanations for the results. The mechanics of individual particles is still too …

…engines and other devices were the historical motivation for the development of thermodynamics as a science. The devices can be well explained using the framework already developed, and illustrative diagrams can be drawn to make plain the energy and entropy flow involved. Real engines undergo repeated cycles to achieve their purpose. We look at a simplified model known as the Carnot cycle, and discuss different processes and how they relate to the various energies defined.