Elizabeth Richards

ME 040
August 26, 2014
Assignment #1

1. Definitions
System vs. System Boundary The system is the area in space chosen to examine, while the
boundary is the place at which the system meets its surroundings. The boundary can be either
real or imaginary, but in neither case has mass or volume.
Open vs. Closed Systems A closed system cannot change in mass, but energy and volume of
the system can both change. Energy can cross the boundary of the system. In an open system,
mass and energy can change, but volume is the control.
Control Volume Control volume is another word for an open system. The volume is kept
constant in these systems while the mass can change, and energy can flow across the boundary.
Intensive vs. Extensive Properties Intensive properties do not depend on the mass of the
system, while extensive properties are related to the mass/size of the system.
Continuum Idealization In the continuum idealization, properties are assumed to be
continuous across space, and is only true if the system is large in comparison to the spaces
between molecules.
State the set of properties that defines the system.
Phase a distinct stage in a process of change in somethings development.
Substance
Process any change a system goes through to get from one state to a new state.
Steady State Process A state which is either constant or has a precise, predictable pattern. Any
point in the system has the same properties at any point in time.
Quasi-equilibrium Process a process in which the system stays very close to equilibrium.
Cycle a process in which the beginning state and ending state are the same.
Specific Properties Specific properties are all extensive properties when they are defined as
per unit mass.
Pressure (absolute) The gauge pressure plus the atmospheric pressure, which adds to the
actual pressure at the specific point, in relation to the absolute vacuum.
Pressure (Gauge) The absolute pressure minus the atmospheric pressure.
Pressure (Vacuum) Pressures below atmospheric pressures, that are measured with vacuum
gauges.
Adiabatic Constant heat and mass of the system through a process.
Isothermal Constant temperature of the system through a process.
Isobaric Constant pressure of the system through a process.