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Heat Engines
- A heat engine is a device that converts heat energy into mechanical work.
- It operates between a hot reservoir and a cold reservoir.
- The working principle is based on the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics.
- The efficiency of a heat engine is given by η = W/Q₁, where:
- W is the work output.
- Q₁ is the heat absorbed from the hot reservoir.
Entropy
- Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system.
- The symbol for entropy is S, and its SI unit is joules per kelvin (J/K).
- It quantifies the unavailability of a system's energy to perform useful work.
- The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy always increases in a spontaneous process.
- ΔS = Q/T, where:
- ΔS is the change in entropy.
- Q is the heat exchanged.
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
- The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics defines the concept of thermal equilibrium.
- If two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
- This law provides the foundation for the definition of temperature.
- Thermometers work based on the Zeroth Law.
First Law of Thermodynamics
- The First Law of Thermodynamics is a statement of the conservat