Elementary Thermodynamics for All

Overview

ABOUT THE COURSE: A one line summary of this course should ideally read as ‘All you needed to know about thermodynamics, but were always afraid to ask’. Starting with the simplicity of only three variables to describe a macroscopic system, we shall go on a quest to find out how we harvest energy and make a machine work to the highest efficiency with emphasis on elementary chemical applications.INTENDED AUDIENCE: First year undergraduate students of all disciplines covering science and engineeringPREREQUISITES: Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics at 10+2 levelINDUSTRY SUPPORT: Any chemical and pharmaceutical industry

Syllabus

Week 1: Introduction to macroscopic systems and review mathematical foundationsWeek 2:Equilibrium under different experimental conditions, Concept of work and heatWeek 3:First law of thermodynamics: Internal energy and EnthalpyWeek 4:Second law of thermodynamics: Carnot’s engine and entropyWeek 5:Equilibrium and spontaneity in isolated systems, entropy of mixturesWeek 6:Internal and free energies in thermodynamicsWeek 7:Condition of spontaneity and equilibrium for systems in contact with reservoirsWeek 8:Third law of thermodynamics; molecular interpretation of entropyWeek 9:Thermodynamics of open systemsWeek 10:Phase equilibriumWeek 11:Chemical reaction equilibriumWeek 12:Electrochemical equilibrium