Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 1

Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts

1.1 Objectives
On a successful completion of this module you should be able to:

● obtain basic formulae and check for errors using dimensional homogeneity
● explain the concepts of open, closed, and isolated systems
● explain the difference between intensive and extensive properties
● describe the meaning of state, and the state postulate
● define: cycle, isothermal process, isobaric process, and isochoric process
● discuss temperature and absolute temperature
● describe the difference between absolute and gauge pressure

Stop
Most of the content included in Chapter 1 of the textbook is covered in more
depth later in the course (and textbook). Do NOT spend more than one week to
complete this Module: you should have started Module 2 already in week one
(see the Study Schedule on the Study Desk).

1.2 Build up your understanding

A list of the resources needed for the module (e.g. set text, selected readings, audiovisual
materials, other references, print or online).

Presentation
View the power point presentation for module 1 as this presentation should help
you identify the key elements from this module.

1.2.1 Thermodynamics and energy

Reading activity 1.1
Section 1.1

We will return to the first and second laws and cover them in greater depth in
Modules 2–5 and 6–7 respectively. The first law (conservation of energy)
governs almost everything that is studied in this course.

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 Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 2

1.2.2 Importance of dimensions and units

Reading activity 1.2
Section 1.2

We will focus on SI units. Note especially the need for Dimensional

Homogeneity – a very powerful tool. Unity Conversion Ratios – also a very
valuable tool.

Exercise 1.1
Textbook problem 1.15 (7th Ed.):

A 4 kW resistance heater in a water heater runs for 2 hours to raise the water
temperature to the desired level. Determine the amount of electric energy used in
both kWh and kJ.

● Energy and temperature.

● Section 1.2: temperature.
● Examples 1.2.
● Note: kW is a unit for power whereas kWh is a unit for energy.
● Total energy = (Energy per unit time) x (Time interval).
● Answer: 8 kWh, 28,800 kJ.

1.2.3 Systems and control volumes

Reading activity 1.3
Section 1.3

Spend time getting a handle on the use of the bold terms including: open, closed,
and isolated systems; control mass, and control volume.

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 Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 3

1.2.4 Properties of a system

Reading activity 1.4
Section 1.4

A major point to take from these sections is the difference between intensive (or
specific) and extensive properties.

Note the use of the term “specific” as an adjective for a property: it means that
that extensive property has been divided by mass. This becomes a universal
method of expressing values for those properties because it is not problem-
specific (the value can be applied regardless of the problem). This notation is
used throughout the course.

1.2.5 Density and specific gravity

Reading activity 1.5
Section 1.5

Specific volume may seem like an unusual way of expressing this variable
(compared to the familiar density), but in many problems it is more convenient,
e.g. the total volume occupied by two fluids is the mass-weighted sum of the
specific volumes:

Vtot  m1v1  m2 v2

Specific gravity is a quantity that is commonly used in Fluid Mechanics

MEC3102/MEC2106 because it is an easy representation of a fluid’s density.

Exercise 1
Textbook problem 1.8 (7th Ed.):

Determine the mass and the weight of the air contained in a room whose
dimensions are 6 m x 6 m x 8 m. Assume the density of the air is 1.16 kg / m3.

● Mass, volume, and density calculation.

● Section 1.2, 1.4 and 1.5: weight, density and specific volume.
● Examples 1.2 and 1.3.

● Equations you might use are: m = ρV and W = mg.

● Answer: 334.1 kg, 3,277 N.

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 Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 4

1.2.6 State and equilibrium

Reading activity 1.6
Section 1.6

The state postulate is the key element in this section. This is used extensively in
Modules 9 and 10. In those Modules, if you look at the water and R-134a tables
for saturated mixtures and superheated vapours, then you only need to know any
two of the variables in those tables to define a state—even if they are quantities
such as specific volume or specific entropy.

1.2.7 Processes and cycles

Reading activity 1.7
Section 1.7

Again, attempt to get your head around the terms in bold text. All of these terms
are used throughout the course.

1.2.8 Temperature and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics

Reading activity 1.8
Section 1.8

Temperature is a critical thermodynamic property and equilibrium is a

fundamental basis for performing thermodynamic calculations.

The most important fundamental consideration when performing calculations in

Thermo is the absolute temperature scale. Many answers will be badly wrong if
this is not expressed correctly. The difference between two temperatures can be
expressed in Celsius or Kelvin, but any multiplication or division must be done
in Kelvin. The best idea if you’re not sure is to convert everything to Kelvin,
even if it’s not necessary, because you will never be wrong.

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 Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 5

Exercise 1.3
Textbook problem 1.33 (5th Ed.):

Consider two closed systems A and B. System A contains 3000 kJ of thermal

energy at 20oC, whereas system B contains 200 kJ of thermal energy at 50oC.
Now the systems are brought into contact with each other. Determine the
direction of any heat transfer between the two systems.

● Thermal energy and absolute temperature.

● Section 1.8.
● Heat flows from higher temperature to lower, regardless of energy content.
● Answer: from B to A.

1.2.9 Pressure
Reading activity 1.9
Section 1.9

Pressure is caused by collisions between molecules (which are always moving).

Molecules in a solid state are essentially locked in position relative to the other
molecules in that object, so pressure is not important. Molecules in a fluid state
(which could be either liquid or gas) are free to move and therefore are able to
collide with other molecules. Molecules in a liquid phase cannot move very far
from each other, so pressure still only has a minor influence on the state. You are
constantly bombarded by air molecules, but this is part of normal life, so you
don’t notice it until you go to an environment with substantially different
pressure (e.g. underwater).

Pressure is studied fully in Fluid Mechanics MEC3102/MEC2106. The major

point to consider here is the difference between absolute and gauge pressure.

Exercise 1.4
Textbook problem 1.67 (7th Ed.):

A gas is contained in a vertical, frictionless piston-cylinder device. The piston

has a mass of 3.2 kg and a cross-sectional area of 35 cm2. A compressed spring
above the piston exerts a force of 150 N on the piston. If the atmospheric
pressure is 95 kPa, determine the pressure inside the cylinder.

● An absolute pressure calculation.

● Section 1.9.
● Example 1.5 and 1.9.
● Answer: 147 kPa.

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 Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 6

1.2.10 The manometer

Reading activity 1.10
Section 1.10

Pressure measurements using manometers are not a major part of this course, but
something you should be able to do. This is used more in Fluid Mechanics
MEC3102/MEC2106.

Exercise 1.5
Textbook problem 1.61 (7th Ed.):

A vacuum gauge connected to a tank reads 30 kPa at a location where the

barometric reading is 750 mmHg. Determine the absolute pressure in the tank.
Take ρHg = 13,590 kg/m3.

● An absolute pressure calculation from a manometer reading.

● Sections 1.9 and 1.10.
● Examples 1.5 and 1.6.
● Equations you might use are: Patm = ρgh and Pabs = Patm – Pvac .
● 30 kPa BELOW atmospheric pressure since a vacuum gauge.
● Answer: 70 kPa.

1.3 Review your understanding

1.3.1 Multiple choice test

Computer
Attempt questions 1 to 7 at the McGraw-Hill On-line Learning Center Multiple
Choice Quiz for Chapter 1.

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 Module 1 – Introduction and basic concepts 7

1.3.2 Concept questions

Self assessment
Attempt the concept questions 1.22, 1.28, 1.34, and 1.43.

● 1.22 definition: intensive and extensive

● 1.28 what is the state postulate?
● 1.34 ordinary and absolute temperature scales
● 1.43 gauge versus absolute pressure

Hints for concept questions

● 1.22 which one depends on the size of the system?

● 1.28 how many independent, intensive properties are required to specify state?
● 1.34 the ones with the “degrees” symbols are the “ordinary” scales!
● 1.43 absolute pressure is pressure relative to …

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