Question

What are the applications of thermodynamics?

Answer 1

Thermodynamics:

1. The study of the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy is known as thermodynamics.
2. The rules of thermodynamics explain how energy in a system evolves and whether a system can make use of its environment to produce productive work.

Although there are many applications of thermodynamics, here we will be explaining the most common examples of it. They are enlisted below:

Sweating in a room:

1. In a crowded environment, everyone begins to perspire.
2. By transmitting body heat to water (the main component of sweat), the body begins to cool down. Sweat evaporates, heating the space.
3. Again, this occurs as a result of the application of the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Keep in mind that heat is not lost but rather moved until equilibrium is reached with the least amount of entropy.

Melting of ice cubes:

1. Ice cubes in a beverage absorb heat from the beverage, making the beverage cooler.
2. If we neglect to drink it, it will eventually warm back up to room temperature by absorbing heat from the environment.
3. The first and second laws of thermodynamics govern how all of this works.

Engines:

1. Engines are a device used to convert heat energy into mechanical energy.
2. Heat engines are based on the second law of thermodynamics.
3. Applying heat to engine fuel ignites it, thereby converting it into the gaseous phase.
4. The gaseous phase occupies more space than the liquid phase.
5. The need for more space pushes the piston in the engine down, doing work.

Refrigerators:

1. Refrigerators are also based on the second law of thermodynamics.
2. Refrigerators apply pressure on the cooling liquid. This increases its temperature.
3. The excess temperature is removed naturally by the second law of thermodynamics.
4. The applied pressure is removed, which decreases the temperature further, cooling the liquid.