Republic of the Philippines

BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY

City of Naga

Thermodynamics

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Thermodynamics is concerned with the relationship

between heat and mechanical energy; and the conversion of either of these into the
other giving emphasis on the concept of energy that changes the freedom of molecules.

COURSE CODE : NE6

COURSE TITLE : Thermoynamics

Teacher : Yolanda P. Beguia
Prerequisite : High School Physics
Credit/No. of units : 4 units
Consultation Time : 8:00-9:30 MW
Google Classroom code :
Week No :1
Number of Hours : 4 ( 1 hour synchronous/3 hours asynchronous)

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

MODULE 1: THERMAL PHENOMENA

TOPICS:
1. Properties of Systems
2. Ideal Walls and Thermal Equilibrium
3. Zeroth Law of thermodynamics

Objectives:
1. Compare, contrast and reconcile the macroscopic and microscopic points of view in describing
properties of systems
2. Explain the terms adiabatic wall, diathermic wall, and thermal equilibrium
3. State the Zeroth Law of thermodynamics and cite its importance
4. Define precisely the concept of temperature
MODULE OVERVIEW
When we hear the word temperature, what comes to our mind is it is a sensation. We know that a body is
hot or cold by touching it, but temperature and heat are not the same phenomenon. Temperature is the
measure of the intensity of degree of hotness in a body which means that it is determined by getting the
average speed of body’s molecules, while heat is the measure of the quantity of heat present in a body.
In this module, you will be introduced to thermal phenomena. Since the temperature will be the key
concept in the study of thermal properties, effects and processes, it is therefore necessary to have a
precise definition of the concept of temperature.
TOPIC 1: PROPERTIES OF SYSYTEMS
In physics, we try to solve problems by identifying the system. For example, a bottle of water. We can
consider water as a system and everything around it including the bottle as the environment. In
thermodynamics, the system is the macroscopic region under study, with a quantity of matter of fixed
identity. It is defined by boundaries which controls the transfer between system and the surroundings.

When we discuss a system, we generally use the two points of view: the macroscopic and the microscopic
view. But, in a thermodynamic system, the relationships among properties of substances consider a fix
mass and homogenous composition only. A thermodynamic system is in a given state or thermodynamic

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

equilibrium state. It possesses some of the macroscopic variables of known quantity such as pressure,
volume, and temperature. These are called state variables.
It can be classified as:
Closed system – There is an exchange of energy but not matter. The system of fixed mass across the
boundary of which no mass transfer can take place is called as closed system. However, across the closed
system the energy transfer may take place. An example is fluid being compressed by the piston in cylinder.
Open system – There is an exchange of both matter and energy. The system across the boundary of
which transfer of both mass as well as energy can take place across the boundary is called as open
system. An example is an air compressor.
Isolated system – There is no exchange of matter nor energy. The system in which both the mass as well
as energy content remains constant is called an isolated system. In this system no mass or energy transfer
takes place across the boundary.

Properties of the system: The characteristics by which the physical condition of the system is described are
called as properties of system. Some examples of these characteristics are: temperature, pressure, volume
etc., and are called as properties of system. The system properties are of two types: extensive and
intensive properties.

Extensive properties of system: The properties of the system that depend on the mass or quantity of the
system are called extensive properties. Some examples of extensive properties are: mass, volume,
enthalpy, internal energy, entropy etc.

Intensive properties of the system: These properties do not depend on the quantity of matter of the system.
Some of the examples of intensive properties are: freezing point temperature, boiling point, temperature of
the system, density, specific volume etc.

In describing the properties of the system which are useful in describing its behavior, we can incorporate
the macroscopic and microscopic points of view

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

The macroscopic description of system involves the specification of a few fundamental measurable
properties of the system such as volume, pressure, temperature, amount of substance etc., without
considering the internal structure of the system. It refers to gross characteristics or largescale properties of
the system and are called macroscopic thermodynamic coordinates (variables or parameters).
In microscopic description of a system assumptions are made about the structure of matter under
investigation. It postulates the existence of molecules, their motion, their energy states, their interactions
etc. Thus a large number of quantities, which refer to small-scale properties of the system, needed to
specify the state of the system. These are called microscopic coordinates (variables or parameters). These
variables cannot be measured in laboratory.
The macroscopic and microscopic points of view though they are entirely different and incompatible, there
is nevertheless, a relation between them and when both points of view are applied to the same system,
they lead to the same conclusion.
The relation between the two points of view lies in the fact that the macroscopic properties are really
averages over a long period of time of a large number of microscopic characteristics.
What is the macroscopic description of pressure and temperature?
In the macroscopic view, we refer to the gross properties of the system. They are characterized by
properties directly associated with human perception and can be measured by ordinary laboratory
operations. A thermodynamic system is one whose state can be described in terms of thermodynamic
variables. The variables defining the state of a thermodynamic system differ from system to system. For
instance, the state of a gas enclosed in a vessel is described by its pressure, volume, temperature and
mass. The state of a metal bar is described by its length, cross-section, tension, temperature, the state of a
liquid film by its area, surface tension etc.
Pressure is a macroscopic variable, since we can feel that pressure increases as we go deeper in a body of
water like a swimming pool because our ears experience an uncomfortable sensation. But, how do we
explain this? Our concept of pressure as explained in our fluid mechanics states that pressure increase
with depth at constant density and acceleration due to gravity, g. And we can recall that pressure is equal
to force per unit area. Thus, a relatively small area experiences large pressure because of a large amount
of force over it.

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

Temperature can be described from familiar sensation of hotness and coldness of a body. We say
lukewarm, ice-cold, etc. We can qualitatively describe temperature of a body.

In the microscopic approach, the system is viewed as atoms and molecules. Certain quantities such as
speed, energy, masses, angular momentum are described that are not directly associated with our sense
perceptions using the laboratory operations, but in terms of the behavior of atoms and molecules.
These properties are said not to be directly associated with our sense perception and cannot be measured
directly using laboratory operations. A dielectric and a magnetic system need additional variables such as
polarization and magnetization respectively.
From mechanics, when a ball hits the wall, it delivers momentum and P=F/A. This random motion of
molecules is recorded in a manometer, but pressure from a microscopic point of view is the momentum of
the molecules.
For example the macroscopic quantity pressure is the average rate of change of momentum due to all the
molecular collisions made on a unit area of the container of the g
Self assessment 1
A. Since we describe the same situation differently by using macroscopic and microscopic points of
view, how will you show that pressure is related to the average rate at which the molecules deliver
momentum to the walls of the container?

B. You can also perform the following activity to determine the reliability of our sense of touch for
comparing temperature.
Activity 1
Materials needed:
Three small basins
Lukewarm water
Ice-cold water
Tap water at room temperature

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

Procedure:
Fill the three basins with lukewarm water, ice-cold water, and tap water separately.
Immerse your left hand into the lukewarm water and your right hand into the ice-cold water
for at least 20 -30 seconds.
Remove both hands from the basins and immediately immerse them simultaneously into
the basin with tap water at room temperature.
Questions:
1. Do your hands feel the same hotness or coldness?
2. If your answer is no, which then feels colder, the left or right hand?
3. Why?
4. What can you conclude about the reliability of our human touch for comparing
temperature?
5. If the molecular theory is changed or discarded in the future, will the concept of
temperature remain?

TOPIC 2: IDEAL WALLS AND THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM

The state of a system varies with temperature. The temperature  has a direct effect on whether a substance
exists as a solid, liquid or gas. Generally, increasing the temperature can turn solids into liquids and liquids
into gases; reducing it turns gases into liquids and liquids into solids. The thermal energy added to a
substance causes an increase in its temperature. Which then changes its state. It can turn from solid to
liquid (melting), liquid to gas (vaporization), or solid to gas (sublimation). Removing the energy causes the
opposite happen. A decrease in the substance’s temperature can turn it from liquid to solid (freezing), gas
to solid (deposition), or from gas to liquid (condensation).

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

A substance’s state of matter is an extrinsic property, meaning it can be changed by its environment.
Therefore, physical conditions like temperature and pressure affect state of matter. Both temperature and
pressure can be measured, and state changes can be observed.

Let us consider two systems which are brought in contact with each other. Their state variables may
change. When a hot iron is placed in contact with another body, that body changes its state. It may melt or
evaporate. But when some materials such as wood, Styrofoam, or asbestos are placed in between them,
the change in the system of the two bodies become independent of each other.
Before you proceed, be able to define the following terms:

Adiabatic wall

Diathermic wall

Thermal equilibrium

Thermal contact

The following images may help you understand your description of the terms you have defined.

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

Self assessment 2
1. Can two systems separated by diathermic wall be considered a direct contact?
2. Can two systems separated by adiabatic wall ever attain equilibrium?

Please find time to watch videos using the given links below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10LJ1yqRx6U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1ZTYhPqs_c

TOPIC 3: THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM: ZEROTH LAW OF THERMODYNAMICS

A system is said to be in When we say thermal equilibrium, a system with its thermodynamic coordinates
remain unchanged. Let us consider two gaseous systems which are separated by a wall.
If one system has no effect on those of the other systems when changes in its thermodynamic coordinates
occur, then the wall separating the two systems is said to be adiabatic wall.
When changes in thermodynamic coordinates of one system cause changes on the other systems and
attains a new equilibrium state, then the wall separating them is called diathermic or diathermal wall.
Therefore, two systems separated by a diathermic wall are in equilibrium with each other.
Situation A. Now, let us consider two systems A and B separated by an adiabatic wall and a third system C
separated from A and B both by a diathermic wall as shown in figure below. Take time to analyze the
figure and you will discover that in this arrangement, system A and C will be in thermal equilibrium and so
will be the systems B and C.
Situation B. Now if the adiabatic wall between A and B is replaced by a diathermic wall, it is found that A
and B are also in thermal equilibrium.

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

We can draw a conclusion that if system A is in thermal equilibrium with B and B is in thermal equilibrium
with C, then A and C will also be in thermal equilibrium. This result is known as Zeroth law of
thermodynamics.

The figure below gives us a simple analogy that demonstrate the Zeroth Law of thermodynamics.

The double arrow represents thermal equilibrium between systems. If systems A and C are in equilibrium,
and systems A and B are in equilibrium, then systems B and C are in equilibrium. The systems A, B, and C
are at the same temperature.

Now In the given figure shown above Object C is taken to be Thermometer. If the Mercury rise in the
thermometer is same after coming in contact with both the Objects ( A and B ) for a reasonable time, then

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

we can conclude that both the object (A and B) are at the same temperature without bringing them
physically in contact with each other.

Zeroth law of Thermodynamics.

It states that if Object A and Object C is in thermal equilibrium (it means that both are at the same
temperature or there is no energy transfer between these two blocks in the form of heat), and also If Object
B and Object C is in Thermal Equilibrium with each other, then Object A and Object B will also be in
Thermal Equilibrium with each other.

Therefore, without bringing in contact physically the Object A and Object B we can easily conclude that
they are at a same temperature or in Other words they are in a thermal Equilibrium. Here Object C acts as
a Thermometer that’s Why Zeroth law of Thermodynamics is also a base for all temperature Measurement.

Self assessment 3
1.Three substances are added to a mug to make coffee: the coffee, which is 65oC, the milk, which is 65oC,
and the sugar, which is in thermal equilibrium with the coffee. Describe the thermal state of the sugar.
2.If a hot metal rod is placed on the table at room temperature, in which direction does the heat flow?
3. Let’s say Object A is in “India” and Object B is in “Columbia” and we want some Information about the
temperature of both Object A and Object B. What will you do?

To further enhance your learning of the zeroth law, open the link below and watch a videoclip.

https://braingenie.ck12.org/skills/107942

Now you are ready t take an assessment. Your professor will give you further instructions in the google
room or the group chat.

References:
https://physics.gurumuda.net/
https://braingenie.ck12.org/skills/107942

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10LJ1yqRx6U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1ZTYhPqs_c

Cengel,Y and Boles,M (2020) Themodynamics: An Engineering Appoach, 7 th Ed. MacGraw-Hill Global
Education Holdings
Bongnakke,C and Sonntag, K (2013) Fundamentals of Thermodynamics 8 th Ed. Jon-Wiley & Sons

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA
 Republic of the Philippines
BICOL STATE COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
City of Naga

MODULE 2 : CONCEPT OF HEAT ENERGY

THERMODYNAMICS/BSED YPBEGUIA