Thermodynamics Concepts
Introduction
Think back to the last time someone complained about a door being left open. What
did you notice about the temperature within the room as a result of the open door? In
this activity, you will investigate the effects of work, thermo energy, and energy on a
system, as in the case of the room with the door left open.
Procedure
Answer the following questions as your teacher discusses the Introduction to
Thermodynamics presentation.
1. Define thermodynamics.
The study of the effects of work, heat flow, and energy on a system
2. List three examples of a thermodynamic system.
a. Nuclear power
b. Electronic heat sink
c. Rocket launch
3. Define thermal energy.
Kinetic energy in transit from one object to another due to temperature
difference; measured in Joules
4. Define temperature.
The average kinetic energy of particles in an object, not the total kinetic energy
particles; measured in degrees
5. Fill in the table below with the correct scale and unit.
Scale
Celsius
Fahrenheit
Kelvin
Freezing point of water
0°C
32°F
273K
Boiling point of water
100°C
212°F
373K
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2011
Thermodynamics – Page 1
6. Define absolute zero.
Occurs when all kinetic energy is removed from an object
7. Define thermal equilibrium.
Obtained when touching objects within a system reach the same temperature
8. Define the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.
If two systems are separately found to be in thermal equilibrium with a third, the two
other systems will be in thermal equilibrium
9. Define the 1st Law of Thermodynamics.
Energy can change form and location, and cannot be created or destroyed
10. List two ways thermal energy can be increased in a system.
a. Adding thermal energy
b. Performing work
11. Define the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics.
Thermal energy flows from hot to cold
12. Define entropy.
Measure of how evenly distributed heat is within a system
13. Define convection.
Transfer of thermal energy by the movement of fluid
14. List two examples of convection.
a. Weather
b. Boiler systems
15. Define conduction.
Transfer of thermal energy within or between an object; molecule to molecule
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2011
Thermodynamics – Page 2
16. List two examples of conduction.
a. Metal spoon in hot water
b. Touching a hot stove
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2011
Thermodynamics – Page 3