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Physics
Foundational Physics
Thermal Physics
1. Introduction to Thermal Physics
2. Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics
3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics
4. Kinetic Theory of Gases
5. Statistical Mechanics
6. Applications and Advanced Topics
Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics
Heat as Energy Transfer
Definition of Heat
Heat vs. Temperature
Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Units of Heat
Calorie
Joule
BTU
Mechanical Equivalent of Heat
Joule's Experiment
Energy Conversion Principles
Historical Significance
Internal Energy
Definition of Internal Energy
Components of Internal Energy
Translational Energy
Rotational Energy
Vibrational Energy
Potential Energy of Molecules
Electronic Energy
Internal Energy as a State Function
Relation to Temperature
Internal Energy of an Ideal Gas
Monatomic Gases
Diatomic Gases
Polyatomic Gases
Work in Thermodynamics
Definition of Work in Thermodynamics
Work Done by an Expanding Gas
Expression for Work (PdV)
Graphical Interpretation
Work in Different Processes
Constant Pressure Work
Constant Volume Work
General Process Work
Path Dependence of Work and Heat
State Functions vs. Path Functions
Examples and Implications
Exact and Inexact Differentials
The First Law of Thermodynamics
Statement of the Law
Conservation of Energy Principle
Mathematical Formulation
ΔU = Q - W
Differential Form
Sign Conventions
Work Done by System
Work Done on System
Heat Added to System
Heat Removed from System
Applications of the First Law
Isolated Systems
Cyclic Processes
Thermodynamic Processes
Quasi-Static Processes
Definition and Characteristics
Equilibrium Assumption
Reversible and Irreversible Processes
Criteria for Reversibility
Sources of Irreversibility
Friction and Dissipation
P-V Diagrams
Representation of Processes
Area Under the Curve as Work
Cyclic Processes on P-V Diagrams
Specific Processes for an Ideal Gas
Isobaric Processes
Constant Pressure Condition
Work Done
Change in Internal Energy
Heat Transfer
P-V Diagram Representation
Isochoric Processes
Constant Volume Condition
Work Done
Change in Internal Energy
Heat Transfer
P-V Diagram Representation
Isothermal Processes
Constant Temperature Condition
Work Done
Change in Internal Energy
Heat Transfer
P-V Diagram Representation
Adiabatic Processes
No Heat Transfer Condition
Work Done
Change in Internal Energy
Adiabatic Relations
P-V Diagram Representation
Polytropic Processes
General Form
Special Cases
Heat Capacity and Specific Heat
Definition of Heat Capacity
Specific Heat
Definition and Units
Temperature Dependence
Molar Heat Capacity
Heat Capacity at Constant Volume
Definition (Cv)
Relation to Internal Energy
Heat Capacity at Constant Pressure
Definition (Cp)
Relation to Enthalpy
Relationship between Cp and Cv
Mayer's Relation
Derivation for Ideal Gas
Adiabatic Index
Definition (γ = Cp/Cv)
Significance in Adiabatic Processes
Values for Different Gases
Measurement of Heat Capacity
Calorimetry Methods
Temperature Dependence
Enthalpy
Definition of Enthalpy
Enthalpy as a State Function
Physical Significance
Enthalpy Change in Processes
Constant Pressure Processes
Phase Changes
Applications in Chemistry and Engineering
Combustion Processes
Chemical Reactions
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1. Introduction to Thermal Physics
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3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics