
Define the state of a system by fixed macroscopic properties and state variables, and identify state functions like internal energy and free energy under isothermal, isobaric, and isochoric conditions.
Explore internal energy as a state function and apply the first law of thermodynamics to quantify the change in a system during heat transfer and work, including ideal gas expansion.
Explain the limitations of the first law of thermodynamics and introduce the second law, clarifying spontaneity, energy transformations, entropy, and the role of state functions in chemical thermodynamics.
Examine state functions beyond internal energy, including entropy and pressure-volume work, and relate spontaneity and equilibrium to Gibbs free energy and maximum work at constant temperature and pressure.
The word ‘thermodynamics’ implies the flow of heat. It deals with energy changes accompanying all types of physical and chemical processes. It helps to lay down the criteria for predicting the feasibility or spontaneity of a process, including a chemical reaction, under a given set of conditions. It also helps to determine the extent to which a process, including a chemical reaction, can proceed before attainment of equilibrium. Thermodynamics is based on two generalizations called the first and second laws of thermodynamics. These are based on the human experience.
System: A system is defined as any specified portion of matter under study which is separated from the rest of the universe with a bounding surface. A system may consist of one or more substances.
Surroundings: The rest of the universe which might be in a position to exchange energy and matter with the system is called the surroundings.
Types of system
(i) Isolated system
A system which can exchange neither energy nor matter with its surrounding is called an isolated system.
(ii) Open system
A system which can exchange matter as well as energy with its surroundings is said to be an open system.
Macroscopic properties
The properties associated with a macroscopic system (i.e. consisting of large number of particles) are called macroscopic properties. These properties are pressure, volume, temperature, composition, density etc.