Thermodynamic Systems Flashcards
What is a thermodynamic system?
A system is a defined portion of the universe we are studying, separated by a boundary.
What are surroundings in thermodynamics?
Everything outside the thermodynamic system.
What are the three types of thermodynamic systems?
Closed System: Energy can cross the boundary, but not mass.
Open System: Both mass and energy can cross the boundary.
Isolated System: Neither mass nor energy crosses the boundary.
What is a control volume?
A control volume is a fixed region in space through which mass and energy can flow, commonly used in open system analyses.
What is the difference between a property, state, and process?
Property: A measurable quantity that defines the system (e.g., pressure, temperature).
State: A condition defined by the system’s properties.
Process: A change from one state to another.
What are examples of intensive and extensive properties?
Intensive: Pressure, temperature.
Extensive: Volume, mass.
What is the difference between macroscopic and microscopic approaches in thermodynamics?
Macroscopic: Studies bulk properties (e.g., pressure, temperature).
Microscopic: Focuses on molecular behavior.
What is the difference between homogeneous and heterogeneous systems?
Homogeneous: Uniform in composition (e.g., air).
Heterogeneous: Non-uniform (e.g., ice and water).
What is the boundary of a system?
The real or imaginary surface that separates the system from its surroundings.
What are control surfaces in open systems?
Boundaries that allow mass and energy to flow into or out of the system.
How are properties classified as extensive or intensive?
Extensive properties depend on system size (e.g., total volume).
Intensive properties are independent of size (e.g., specific volume = Volume/Mass)
