First Law of Thermodynamics

Abstract

In this chapter we shall start the study of thermodynamics introducing the concept of thermodynamic system and the main thermodynamic variables, or coordinates, the pressure, the temperature, and the volume. We shall define the thermodynamic state and discuss the different types of processes from one state to another and the equations that govern these processes. We shall then introduce the concept of heat and discuss experiments and arguments leading to establish the first law of thermodynamics, which expresses the universal energy conservation. We shall then study two particular relevant systems, the ideal gases and the solids.