Thermodynamic Property

We have learnt about the thermodynamic system in the previous article. We also know that thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat, temperature, work and their relation to energy, radiation and the physical properties of matter. Thermodynamics deals with large systems. We can see the concept of thermodynamics applied in our everyday life in cars, bikes, ACs, thermal flasks, refrigerators, washing machines and many more.

Thermodynamics is classified into four categories:

• Classical Thermodynamics
• Statistical Thermodynamics
• Chemical Thermodynamics
• Equilibrium Thermodynamics

There are many characteristics and concepts of thermodynamics which help to define the system. Various external and internal properties contribute to the system’s performance and reflect the result in the system’s total energy.

There are many properties of the thermodynamic system that are measurable, and these properties aid in describing the present physical state of the system. These properties define the characteristic features of a system. Thermodynamic properties can be applied to energy systems and thermal or nuclear power plants. This article lets us know in detail about the thermodynamic property of the system.

Thermodynamics Properties

Thermodynamic properties are defined as characteristic features of a system capable of specifying the system’s state. The thermodynamic properties of a material are classified in several different ways.

1. Measured properties
2. Fundamental properties
3. Derived properties

Properties of the system directly accessible in the laboratory are known as measured properties.

Examples: volume, temperature and pressure.

Properties of the system directly related to the fundamental laws of thermodynamics are known as fundamental properties.

Examples: internal energy and entropy

Properties of the system that have specific relations and include combinations of measured and derived properties are known as derived properties.

Examples: Enthalpy, Gibbs, free energy.

Note: The fundamental properties and derived properties cannot be measured.

The thermodynamic properties of the system are divided into two general classes:

• Extensive property
• Intensive property

An extensive property’s value depends on the quantity or size of matter in the system. In contrast, extensive variables help characterize the specific system being analyzed.

Example: mass, volume, internal energy, enthalpy, heat capacity, entropy, Gibbs free energy.

Those properties that do not depend on the quantity or size of matter are known as intensive properties. Intensive property may vary from place to place within the system at any moment.

Example: Density, Pressure, Temperature, Specific Volume, Specific Entropy, Thermal conductivity, Thermal Expansion, Compressibility and many more.

Read more about thermodynamics.

The video demonstrates the application of thermodynamic processes to devices such as heat engines.

Stay tuned to BYJU’S and Fall in Love with Learning!