Thermodynamics

Definition
Thermodynamics is the science that deals with heat and work and those properties of substances that bear a relation to heat and work. (Borgnakke-Sonntag, 2009) The field of science dealing with the relationships of heat, work, and properties of systems is called thermodynamics. (Wu, 2007) Thermodynamics involves the storage, transformation, and transfer of energy. Energy is stored as internal energy (due to temperature), kinetic energy (due to motion), potential energy (due to elevation), and chemical energy (due to chemical composition); it is transformed from one of these forms to another; and it is transferred across a boundary as either heat or work. (Potter, 2009) Thermodynamics can be defined as the science of energy. The name thermodynamics stems from the Greek words therme (heat) and dynamis (power), which is most descriptive of the early efforts to convert heat into power. Today the same name is broadly interpreted to include all aspects of energy and energy transformations, including power generation, refrigeration, and relationships among the properties of matter. (Cengel-Boles) Thermodynamics is the study of energy and the ways in which it can be used to improve the lives of people around the world. The objects studied in thermodynamics are called systems, and the free body diagrams of mechanics are replaced by system diagrams in thermodynamics. (Balmer, 2011)