Roselyn Lynbert T.

Belleza August 29, 2019

At first hearing that we have a thermodynamics, I immediately think that it is

another subject that will give us a lot of computations and hard time. Yet, as our
professor introduce what thermodynamics is, my views about the subject slightly
improve. Yes, slightly because it has still computations and it is a branch of physics so it
is surely difficult. All I have to do is study hard and give my best. As days passed by, I
have learned that from the very beginning up to our generation, thermodynamics had
contributed to make our lives easier. The concepts of Thermodynamics are extremely
important on the application for thermal systems design. As they present heat transfer
process by conduction on the heat source and sink, evaporation and condensation of
the working fluid, the entire cycle that those devices perform can be well explained by
the laws of thermodynamics.
Thermodynamics provides a framework in which the universe operates. In other
words, anything you are likely to encounter in your daily experience can be broken
down to thermodynamics. To start with the air conditioner in your room, the fridge which
cools and keeps things fresh, the automobile you use to commute, the design of your
house or the insulation material used for holding the hot plates, the food you cook, all
use the knowledge of thermodynamics. As what Hobold say “understanding the
fundamental laws of thermodynamics is a fundamental part of being a rational human
being (2015).” Furthermore, we had a discussion about the great scientist who helped
us to understand thermodynamics more, leading to their early, yet useful inventions that
develops through time. Just like the steam engine from Hero of Alexandria on 1 st A.D.,
and other transportations.
Moreover, on the second week, I learned the major difference and relationship of
heat and temperature. Heat is a form of energy (both potential and kinetic energy) that
can be transferred from one system to another with respect to the temperature. As
against this, temperature is something that measures the intensity of heat. On the other
hand, temperature measures average kinetic energy of molecules in substance. The
main feature of heat is that it travels from hotter region to cooler region. Unlike
temperature, which rises when heated and falls when cooled. Heat possesses the ability
to work, but the temperature is used exclusively to gauge the extent of heat. The
standard unit of measurement of heat is Joules, while that of temperature is Kelvin, but
it can also be measured in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Calorimeter is a device, which is
used to measure the heat. On the other hand, temperature can be measured by
thermometer. Heat is represented by ‘Q’ whereas ‘T’ is used to represent temperature.

I also realized that fire does not cause heat but the continuous movement of
atoms and molecules causes heat. The greater the movement of the atoms and
molecules, the greater the heat. Together with different temperature scales which are
Fahrenheit that was proposed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit that has 32-degrees
freezing point and 212-degrees of pure water boiling point, Celsius which proposed by
Anders Celsius with 0-degree freezing point and 100-degrees boiling point and Kelvin,
that was proposed by Lord Kelvin. He also proposed the absolute zero or the lowest
possible temperature at which molecules stop moving.

With my past knowledge and new learnings that refreshes my mind in

thermodynamics, now I can say that I am looking forward for another full course lesson
that will feed my mind just like our mechanics subject last summer. Thermodynamics
gives a mathematical framework to understand how energy transfer inside a system.
Hence help us to design, predict and calculate the efficiency of better heat engine that
we can use for our daily convenience.

References:
 Hobold, G.M.2015. How does thermodynamics help us in our daily lives?
Retrieve from https://www.quora.com/How-does-thermodynamics-help-us-in-our-
daily-lives
 Surbhi, S. 2017. Difference between heat and temperature. Key differences.
Retrieved from: https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-heat-and-
temperature.html
 Riehl, R. 2014. Chapter I – Thermodynamics: Concepts and Applications.
Research Gate. P.2. retrieved from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313376691_Chapter_I_-
_Thermodynamics_Concepts_and_Applications