Physics Universe - beta

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics consists of four simple laws. The laws of thermodynamics apply to any system at any state of energy.

The four laws are:

• Zeroth law of thermodynamics - Equilibrium
  If two thermodynamic systems are separately in thermal equilibrium with a third. Then they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other.
• First law of thermodynamics - The conservation of energy.
  The change in the internal energy of a system is equal to the sum of the amount of heat energy supplied to the system.
• Second law of thermodynamics - Entropy
  The total entropy of any system will increase over time approaching a maximum value.
• Third law of thermodynamics - Absolute zero temperature
  As a system approaches absolute zero temperature all actions will stop and the entropy of the system approaches a minimum value.