Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics
Open System: In a system, when there is exchange of energy and matter taking place with
the surroundings, then it is called an open system.
For Example: Presence of reactants in an open beaker is an example of an open system. Closed System: A
system is said to be a closed system when there is no exchange of matter ‘ but exchange of energy is possible.
For example: The presence of reactants in a closed vessel made of conducting material.
Isolated System: In a system, when no exchange of energy or matter takes place with the surroundings, is
called isolated system.
For example: The presence of reactants in a thermoflask, or substance in an insulated closed vessel is an
example of isolated system.
Isothermal process: When the operation is carried out at constant temperature, the process is said to be
isothermal. For isothermal process, dT = 0 Where dT is the change in temperature.
Adiabatic process: It is a process in which no transfer of heat between system and surroundings, takes place.
Isobaric process: When the process is carried out at constant pressure, it is said to be isobaric. i.e. dP = 0
Isochoric process: A process when carried out at constant volume, it is known as isochoric in nature.
Cyclic process: If a system undergoes a series of changes and finally returns to its initial state, it is said to be
cyclic process.
Reversible Process: When in a process, a change is brought in such a way that the process could, at any
moment, be reversed by an infinitesimal change. The change r is called reversible.
Internal Energy
It is the sum of all the forms of energies that a system can possess.
In thermodynamics, it is denoted by AM which may change, when
— Heat passes into or out of the system
— Work is done on or by the system
— Matter enters or leaves the system.
Change in Internal Energy by Doing Work
Let us bring the change in the internal energy by doing work.
Let the initial state of the system is state A and Temp. TA Internal energy = UA
On doing’some mechanical work the new state is called state B and the temp. TB. It is found to be
TB > TA
uB is the internal energy after change.
∴ ΔU = UB – UA
Change in Internal Energy by Transfer of Heat
Internal energy of a system can be changed by the transfer of heat from the surroundings to the system
without doing work.
ΔU = q
Where q is the heat absorbed by the system. It can be measured in terms of temperature difference.
q is +ve when heat is transferred from the surroundings to the system. q is -ve when heat is transferred from
system to surroundings.
When change of state is done both by doing work and transfer of heat.
ΔU = q + w
First law of thermodynamics (Law of Conservation of Energy). It states that, energy can neither be created nor
be destroyed. The energy of an isolated system is constant.
ΔU = q + w.
Work (Pressure-volume Work)
Let us consider a cylinder which contains one mole of an ideal gas in which a frictionless piston is fitted
Work Done in Isothermal and Reversible Expansion of Ideal Gas
Thermochemical Equation
A balanced chemical equation together with the value of ΔrH and the physical state of reactants and products
is known as thermochemical equation.
Spontaneity
Spontaneous Process: A process which can take place by itself or has a tendency to take place is called
spontaneous process.
Spontaneous process need not be instantaneous. Its actual speed can vary from very slow to quite fast.
A few examples of spontaneous process are:
(i) Common salt dissolves in water of its own.
(ii) Carbon monoxide is oxidised to carbon dioxide of its own.
• Entropy (S)
The entropy is a measure of degree of randomness or disorder of a system. Entropy of a substance is
minimum in solid state while it is maximum in gaseous state.
The change in entropy in a spontaneous process is expressed as ΔS
Gibbs Energy and Spontaneity
A new thermodynamic function, the Gibbs energy or Gibbs function G, can be defined as
G = H-TS
ΔG = ΔH – TΔS
Gibbs energy change = enthalpy change – temperature x entropy change ΔG gives a criteria for spontaneity at
constant pressure and temperature, (i) If ΔG is negative (< 0) the process is spontaneous.
(ii) If ΔG is positive (> 0) the process is non-spontaneous.
• Free Energy Change in Reversible Reaction