Laws of Thermodynamics

Law of Thermodynamics

There are four laws of thermodynamics as

follows:

 Zeroth law.

 1st law of thermodynamics.

 2nd law of thermodynamics.

 3rd law of thermodynamics.

 Zeroth law (R.H. Fowler, 1931)
The Zeroth law of thermodynamics is a
generalized statement about the
thermodynamic equilibrium between bodies in
contact. It is the result of the definition and
properties of temp.
 Thermal equilibrium occurs when no temp
gradient exists, both objects are at same temp.
 Zeroth Law
“ When two bodies are each in thermal
equilibrium with a third body, they are in thermal
equilibrium with one another.
 If object A is in Adiabatic wall
thermal equilibrium
with object C.
A C
 And object B is in
thermal equilibrium
with object C.
 Then object A & B are B
also in thermal
equilibrium.
 Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
 If two systems are separately in thermal
equilibrium with a third, then they must also be
in thermal equilibrium with each other and their
temps will be equal.

B
tb

A C

ta tc

If ta = tc and tb= tc, then ta= tb

1st Law of Thermodynamics
(W. Rankine, 1850s)
 The first law of thermodynamics is open
called the conservation of energy law.

 Assert that energy is a thermodynamic

property.

 Energy: Ability to work is called

energy. Energy is something, which is
indestructible by us. Energy can exist in various
forms. Energy can be transferred from one form
to another. Energy can be transferred from one
system to another.
1st Law of Thermodynamics, cont
 Law of conservation of energy: Energy
can neither be created nor be destroyed.

" When a closed system under goes a cyclic

change, the net heat to or from the system is
equal to the net work from or to the system ".

Mathematically, ∫ Q  ∫ W

system
HEAT internal WORK
energy
1st Law of Thermodynamics, cont

The change in the energy of a system equals

the heat flow in the system from the
surroundings minus the work done by the
system on the surroundings.

U = W + Q
1st Law of Thermodynamics, cont
With the aid of first law it is possible to calculate the
amount of heat and work which cross the boundary of a
system when given changes in properties occur.

Example:

 We can calculate work done by a steam expanding

through a given range of pr in a turbine.

 Work require to produce a given air pr.

 To generate steam in a boiler we can calculate how

much work require for this.
Motivating the 2nd Law of thermodynamics

 The 1st law of thermodynamics alone does

not predict the direction of a process, e.g.
– Can a hot object naturally cool down to a temp
below its surrounding?
– Can a hot mass return to its initial position by
losing its internal energy?
 The first law does not distinguish between
reversible and irreversible processes
o The 2nd law can be used in conjunction with
the 1st law to determine the capability.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
(W. Rankine, 1850s)
o Assert that energy has quality and quantity
and
o Actual processes occur in the direction of
decreasing quality of energy
Entropy→ Find potential work
Second Law of Thermodynamics
 The amount of heat can be converted into
work in an engine.

 This is an expression of the fact that it is

impossible to convert all the heat supplied to an
engine into work, some heat must always be
rejected representing a waste of energy.
The Many Uses of the 2nd Law
• Predict process direction
• Establish equilibrium conditions
• Determine theoretical best performance
• Evaluate factors limiting best performance
• Define a temp scale independent of properties
• Develop means for property evaluation for
derived properties, such as h and u
3rd Law of Thermodynamics
If any system is at absolute zero then there is no
entropy on the system.