DEFINITION OF THERMODYNAMICS

Thermodynamics may be defined as follows:

Thermodynamics is an axiomatic science which deals with the relations among heat, work and properties of system which are in equilibrium. It describes state and changes in state of physical systems.

Or

Thermodynamics is the science of the regularities governing processes of energy conversion.

Or

Thermodynamics is the science that deals with the interaction between energy and material systems.

Thermodynamics, basically entails four laws or axioms known as Zeroth, First, Second and Third law of thermodynamics.

The First law throws light on concept of internal energy.

The Zeroth law deals with thermal equilibrium and establishes a concept of temperature.

Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

The Second law indicates the limit of converting heat into work and introduces the principle of increase of entropy.

The Third law defines the absolute zero of entropy.

These laws are based on experimental observations and have no mathematical proof. Like all physical laws, these laws are based on logical reasoning.