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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
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Spontaneous Processes and Directionality
Definition of Spontaneity
Examples of Spontaneous Processes
Examples of Non-Spontaneous Processes
Directionality in Natural Processes
Irreversibility in Nature
Heat Engines
Definition and Purpose
Components of Heat Engines
Working Substance
Heat Source (Hot Reservoir)
Heat Sink (Cold Reservoir)
Work Output Mechanism
Schematic and Operation
Thermal Efficiency
Definition and Calculation
Factors Affecting Efficiency
Theoretical Limits
The Kelvin-Planck Statement
Statement of the Second Law
Implications and Consequences
Impossibility of Perfect Heat Engine
Refrigerators and Heat Pumps
Definition and Purpose
Components and Operation
Working Principle
Heat Extraction Process
Heat Rejection Process
Work Input Requirement
Coefficient of Performance
Definition for Refrigerators
Definition for Heat Pumps
Calculation Methods
Comparison with Efficiency
The Clausius Statement
Statement of the Second Law
Implications and Consequences
Impossibility of Perfect Refrigerator
Equivalence of Statements
Kelvin-Planck and Clausius Equivalence
Logical Proof of Equivalence
The Carnot Cycle
The Ideal Heat Engine
Assumptions and Model
Reversible Operation
Steps of the Carnot Cycle
Isothermal Expansion
Process Description
Work and Heat Transfer
Adiabatic Expansion
Process Description
Work and Heat Transfer
Isothermal Compression
Process Description
Work and Heat Transfer
Adiabatic Compression
Process Description
Work and Heat Transfer
P-V Diagram of Carnot Cycle
Efficiency of a Carnot Engine
Derivation of Efficiency
Temperature Dependence
Maximum Possible Efficiency
Carnot's Theorem
Statement and Proof
Consequences for Real Engines
Carnot Refrigerator
The Thermodynamic Temperature Scale
Definition Based on Carnot Engine
Independence from Working Substance
Entropy
Historical Development
Definition of Entropy Change
Clausius Definition
Mathematical Expression (dS = dQ/T)
Entropy as a State Function
Calculating Entropy Changes
Reversible Processes
Irreversible Processes
Entropy Changes for Ideal Gases
Isothermal Processes
Adiabatic Processes
General Processes
Entropy and Reversibility
Entropy in Reversible Processes
Entropy in Irreversible Processes
Entropy Generation
The Principle of Increase of Entropy
Statement for Isolated Systems
Implications and Consequences
Entropy and Equilibrium
Entropy and the Arrow of Time
Time's Directionality in Thermodynamics
Cosmological Implications
Entropy and Disorder
Qualitative Understanding
Statistical Interpretation
Limitations of Disorder Analogy
The Third Law of Thermodynamics
Statement of the Third Law
Nernst Heat Theorem
Unattainability of Absolute Zero
Consequences for Entropy
Entropy at Absolute Zero
Residual Entropy
Perfect Crystals
Applications and Implications
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2. Heat and the First Law of Thermodynamics
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4. Kinetic Theory of Gases