FDRE Technical and Vocational Training Institute

Faculty of Mechanical Technology

Department of Automotive Technology

Thermodynamics (ATec 2047 )

Chapter 1: Introduction to thermodynamics and basic concepts

By : Hailegebrel Zewdie

2025

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 Introduction to thermodynamics and basic concepts
(Objectives)

Up on the completion of the chapter, students will be able to

• Explain the basic concepts of thermodynamics

• Analyze types of thermodynamics

• Describe basic concepts of thermodynamics

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 1.1 Thermodynamics and its application

The word “Thermodynamics” originates from its Greek words (therme, heat;
dynamis, force).
Thermodynamics is the study of the relationships between heat, work, and energy. It
is a fundamental branch of physics and engineering that plays a crucial role in
understanding and predicting the behavior of physical systems.
One of the key principles of thermodynamics is the conservation of energy, which
states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from
one form to another. This principle forms the basis for understanding the behavior of
heat engines, refrigerators, and other energy conversion devices.

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 1.1 Thermodynamics and its application(…)

The laws of thermodynamics govern the behavior of heat and its interactions with
matter. They are based on experimental observations and have been shown to be
valid under a wide range of conditions.
Zeroth Law Of Thermodynamics- deals with thermal equilibrium and establishes a
concept of temperature states that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with
a third, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other
The first law of thermodynamics states that the total amount of energy in an isolated
system is constant. This means that energy can be transferred from one form to
another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.This principle forms the basis for
understanding the behavior of heat engines, refrigerators, and other energy
conversion devices.
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 1.1 Thermodynamics and its application(…)

The second law of thermodynamics states that heat cannot spontaneously flow from a
colder location to a hotter location. In simple words, we can say that according to the
thermodynamics 2nd law states that heat energy cannot be transferred from a system
at a lower temperature to a system at a higher temperature without the addition of
energy. This law is an expression of the principle of decay observable in nature..
The third law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a system at absolute zero
is zero. Absolute zero is the temperature at which all molecular motion ceases.
. Entropy is called as “waste energy,” i.e., the energy that is unable to do work, and
since there is no heat energy whats over at absolute zero, there can be no waste
energy.

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 1.1 Thermodynamics and its application(…)

Thermodynamics is a fundamental science that has applications in many fields.It is a

powerful tool for understanding the behavior of heat and its applications. It is used in a wide
variety of fields, such as engineering, biology, chemistry, and environmental science.
Engineering:
Thermodynamics is used in engineering to design and analyze heat engines, refrigerators,
and other devices that use heat. It is also used to study the flow of heat through materials and
to design insulation.
Chemistry:
Thermodynamics is used in chemistry to study the properties of substances and to design
chemical reactions. It is also used to study the behavior of gases and liquids.
Biology:
Thermodynamics is used in biology to study the growth and development of organisms. It is
also used to study the flow of heat through living organisms and to understand the effects of
temperature on biological processes.

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 1.1 Thermodynamics and its application(…)

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 1.1 Thermodynamics and its application(…)

Approaches to studying thermodynamics

There are several approaches to studying thermodynamics, each focusing on different
aspects of the behavior of physical systems. Some of these approaches include:
1. macroscopic approach
Classical thermodynamics: A macroscopic approach to thermodynamics that does not
require knowledge of individual particle behavior. The quantity of matter is assessed
without considering the processes occurring at molecular levels that are concerned
with gross or overall behaviorT,P
2. microscopic approach
Statistical thermodynamics: A microscopic method based on the average behavior of
huge groups of individual particles. Instruments cannot easily quantify the attributes
of the molecule, such as velocity, momentum, impulse, kinetic energy, force of
impact, and so on.
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 1.2 Branches of thermodynamics

Thermodynamic branches provide a complete framework for understanding the behavior of

physical systems and have numerous applications in research and engineering.
1. Classical thermodynamics:
This branch deals with the macroscopic behavior of systems and is based on a set of
fundamental principles such as the conservation of energy, the second law of
thermodynamics, and the concept of entropy.
. 2. Statistical thermodynamics: Also known as statistical mechanics, this approach focuses
on the microscopic behavior of systems and uses statistical methods to describe the behavior
of large ensembles of particles. It provides a more detailed understanding of thermodynamic
properties at the molecular level.
3.Chemical thermodynamics: This approach applies thermodynamic principles to chemical
reactions and processes, including the study of phase equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and the
thermodynamics of solutions.
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 1.2 Branches of thermodynamics (…)

4. Equilibrium thermodynamics: This approach deals with systems in thermodynamic

equilibrium, where there is no net change in the macroscopic properties of the system
over time. It includes the study of phase transitions, such as solid-liquid or liquid-gas
transitions.
5. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics: This approach focuses on systems that are not
in thermodynamic equilibrium, such as those experiencing heat transfer, fluid flow,
or chemical reactions. It deals with the behavior of systems far from equilibrium and
the principles governing their behavior.
Each approach provides a unique perspective on the behavior of physical systems
and has its own set of principles and applications. By combining these different
approaches, scientists and engineers can gain a comprehensive understanding of
thermodynamics and its role in various fields of science and engineering.
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 1.3 Thermodynamic system

A thermodynamic system is a region of space that is under study. It is separated from the rest
of the universe by a boundary. The boundary can be real or imaginary, and it can be fixed or
movable. The boundary can also be permeable or impermeable to matter and energy.
Such a thermodynamic system is usually referred to as control volume as it would keep a
volume and would also contain a definite quantity of matter.
There are several types of thermodynamic systems:
1. Isolated system: An isolated system is one that does not exchange matter or energy with its
surroundings. This means that the total energy and mass of the system remain constant.
2. Closed system: A closed system is one that can exchange energy with its surroundings, but
not matter. This means that the total mass of the system remains constant, but the total energy
can change through heat and work interactions.
3. Open system: An open system is one that can exchange both energy and matter with its
surroundings. This means that both the total energy and mass of the system can change.11
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 1.3 Thermodynamic system (…)

These different types of systems are used to study and analyze the behavior of
physical systems in different contexts, and they are essential for understanding and
applying the principles of thermodynamics.

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 1.3 Thermodynamic system (…)

Comparison

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 1.3 Thermodynamic system (…)

Energy can exist in numerous forms such as thermal, mechanical, kinetic, potential,
electric, magnetic, chemical, and nuclear, and their sum constitutes the total energy, E
of a system.
Thermodynamics deals only with the change of the total energy.
Energy can be in the forms of Macroscopic and Microscopic
1. Macroscopic forms of energy: Those a system possesses as a whole with respect to
some outside reference frame, such as kinetic and potential energies.
Kinetic energy, KE: The energy that a system possesses as a result of its motion
relative to some reference frame.
Potential energy, PE: The energy that a system possesses as a result of its elevation in
a gravitational field.
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 1.3 Thermodynamic system (…)

2. Microscopic forms of energy: Those related to the molecular structure of a system and the
degree of the molecular activity are in continuous motion.
They are independent of outside reference frames.
Internal energy Is the total energy possessed by all microscopic modes of motion or the sum of
all the microscopic forms of energy, and is denoted by U.
Is a highly disorganized form of energy (as it is associated with the random motion of the
molecules)
Whereas KE and PE are organized forms of energy.
Total energy
In the absence of magnetic, electric, and surface tension effects, the total energy of a system
consists of the kinetic, potential, and internal energies.
The total energy of a system is expressed as
E = U + KE + PE = U + m(V2 /2) + mgz (kJ)
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 1.3 Thermodynamic system (…)

System Properties
• Properties of a system is a measurable characteristic of a system that is in equilibrium.
Properties may be intensive or extensive.
• Intensive – are independent of the size of the system. do not depend on the quantity
of matter present. Specific properties are intensive because they do not depend on the
mass of the system.
Example: Temperature, Pressure, and Density, color etc.
• Extensive – vary directly with the size of the system (additives). Thus, if the system
is divided into a number of sub-systems, the value of the property for the whole system
is equal to the sum of the values for the parts.
• Example: : mass, volume, energy, enthalpy etc.
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 1.3 Thermodynamic system (…)

Extensive properties per unit mass are intensive properties. For example, the specific
volume and density defined as

Volume V  m 3  mass m  kg 
v       3
mass m  kg  volume V  m 
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 1.4 Dimensions and Units

A dimension is the measure by which a physical variable is expressed quantitatively.

A unit is a particular way of attaching a number to the quantitative dimension.
A11 physical quantities are given by a few fundamental quantities or their
combinations.
The units of such fundamental quantities are called base units, combinations of them
being called derived units.
base units
The SI base units are the building blocks of the system and all other units are
derived from them

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

The seven SI base units, which are comprised of:

Length - meter (m)
Time - second (s)
Amount of substance - mole (mole)
Electric current - ampere (A)
Temperature - kelvin (K)
Luminous intensity - candela (cd)
Mass - kilogram (kg)

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

A derived unit is a unit of measurement in the International System of Units (SI) that
is derived from one or more of the seven base units. Derived units are either
dimensionless or else are the product of base units.

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1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

A normal force exerted by a fluid per unit area

Absolute pressure: The actual

pressure at a given position.
It is measured relative to absolute
vacuum (i.e., absolute zero pressure).
Gage pressure: The difference between
the absolute pressure and the local atmospheric
pressure. Most pressure-measuring devices are
calibrated to read zero in the atmosphere, and
so they indicate gage pressure.
Vacuum pressures: Pressures below
atmospheric pressure.
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1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

Self check exercise 1

1. A force of 1000 N is delivered uniformly to a piston with a diameter of 10 cm. Determine the
pressure on the piston.

2. At a place where the atmospheric pressure is 98 kPa, a vacuum gage linked to a tank indicates 30 kPa.
What is the tank's absolute pressure?

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

• Example:
• A pressure gage connected to a valve stem of a truck tire reads 240 kPa at a location
where the atmospheric pressure is 100 kPa. What is the absolute pressure in the tire,
in kPa and in psi?

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

• The pressure of a fluid at rest increases with depth (as a result of added weight).
• A consequence of the pressure in a fluid remaining constant in the horizontal direction is that the
pressure applied to a confined fluid increases the pressure throughout by the same amount. This is
called Pascal’s law, after Blaise Pascal (1623–1662).

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

The force applied by a fluid is proportional to the surface area. Two hydraulic cylinders of different
areas could be connected, and the larger could be used o exert a proportionally greater force than that
applied to the smaller. Lifting of a large weight by a small force by the application of Pascal’s law.

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

Variation of Pressure with Depth

The pressure of a fluid at rest increases with depth (as a result of added weight).
increases with depth (as a result of added weight).

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

There are many techniques for the measurement of pressure and vacuum. Instruments
used to measure pressure are called pressure gauges. Manometers are used for the
measurement of very low pressures as well as vacuum especially in hydraulic
laboratories.

This pressure difference is determined from the manometer fluid displaced

height as
P   g h ( kPa ) 27
 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

• Temperature is a physical quantity that expresses quantitatively the perceptions of hotness and
coldness. Absolute zero, i.e. zero kelvin or −273.15 °C, is the lowest point in the
thermodynamic temperature scale. Experimentally, it can be approached only very closely, but
not actually reached, as recognized in the third law of thermodynamics. It would be
impossible to extract energy as heat from a body at that temperature. Expressing Temperature
Rise in Different Units
During a heating process, the temperature of a system rises by 20°C. Express this rise in
temperature in K, °F, and R.This problem deals with temperature changes, which are identical in
Kelvin and Celsius scales. Then,

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

Comparison of temperature scales

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 1.4 Dimensions and Units (…)

Self Check exercise

1. An object at sea level has a mass of 400 kg.
a) Find the weight of this object on earth.
b) Find the weight of this object on the moon where the local gravitational acceleration is one-
sixth that of earth.
2. A force of 1000 N is delivered uniformly to a piston with a diameter of 10 cm. Determine the
pressure on the piston.
3. A tank is full of oil with a density of 850kg/m3.Determine the amount of mass in the tank if
the tank's volume is 2m3.

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 1.5 State and Equilibrium

State – a set of properties that describes the conditions of a system. The state of a
system can be defined at a specific point in time and can change as the system
undergoes processes such as heating, cooling, or expansion. Eg. Mass m, Temperature
T, volume V
Equilibrium, on the other hand, refers to the state in which a system is in a balanced
condition with no net change occurring. In thermodynamics, there are different types of
equilibrium, including thermal equilibrium (when two systems are at the same
temperature and no heat transfer occurs), mechanical equilibrium (when there is no net
force acting on a system), and chemical equilibrium (when the rates of forward and
reverse reactions are equal in a chemical reaction).
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 1.5 State and Equilibrium (…)

Thermodynamic equilibrium is a state of system in which it is in chemical,

mechanical and thermal equilibrium.

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 1.6 Processes and Cycles

In thermodynamics, a process refers to the transformation of a system from one state

to another, often involving changes in temperature, pressure, and volume. Processes
can be classified as either reversible or irreversible, depending on whether the system
can return to its original state after the process is completed.
A cycle, on the other hand, refers to a series of processes that bring a system back to
its original state after undergoing a series of changes. One of the most well-known
thermodynamic cycles is the Carnot cycle, which is used to model the behavior of an
ideal heat engine.

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 1.6 Processes and Cycles (…)

Processes and cycles play a crucial role in thermodynamics as they help in analyzing
and understanding the behavior of systems as they interact with their surroundings.
By studying processes and cycles, engineers and scientists can design and optimize
systems such as engines, refrigeration systems, and power plants to achieve
maximum efficiency and performance.
some special processes:
 isobaric process - constant pressure process
 isothermal process - constant temperature process
 isochoric process - constant volume process
 isentropic process - constant entropy
Cyclic process - when a system in a given initial state goes through various processes
and finally return to its initial state, the system has undergone a cyclic process or
cycle.
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