Introduction to Thermodynamics

Lead instructors:  Brendan Vaughan and Zoe Fisher

TAs: TBD

Time: Jan 17-21, 15:00-16:30

Location: TBD

Course description:

This course is based on MIT course 2.005

• Overview of basic definitions (systems, boundaries, environments, interactions, equilibrium…)
• First Law of Thermodynamics and Energy
  • Q = mc△T
• Conserve energy → concept of a closed system
  • System interactions
  • Work transfer 
  • Spring and mass models
• Second Law of Thermodynamics and Equilibrium 
• U is internal energy, Q is heat supplied, W is work done
  • dU = dQ - dW
  • dU = TdS - PdV
• Entropy
• Heat transfer (and temperature) 
• Third law of thermodynamics
  • (measuring entropy with absolute zero as the reference point and minimum)
• Examples as a system 

• Order of classes:
• Cool applications for thermo (phase diagrams)
• Fun demos
• Definitions needed for course, basic vocab used
• First law of thermodynamics 
• Energy (common equations, applications and examples)
• Second law of thermo
• Equilibrium 
• Solve state of system using known parameters

• If time we will conclude with thermo jeopardy, likely using convection, radiation, and conduction themed teams
• The last half hour of each class will act as a problem solving time to provide hands on experience
  • These problems will start simple
  • And get more complex as time allows

​Course materials:

TBD