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Thermodynamics

Summary

  • First law: \Delta U=Q+W
  • Q is heat added W is work done
  • Internal energy U is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy. Ideal gas has no internal potential energy, so solely kinetic.
  • Ideal monatomic gas has formula: U=\frac{3}{2}Nk_BT=\frac{3}{2}nRT
  • Work done on gas by external pressure: W=-P\Delta V
  • Negative sign means expansion does negative work on gas.
  • On a PV graph, integrals are work done, and straight lines are isotherms.
  • Four special processes:
    • Isovolumeric W = 0
    • Isothermic \Delta U = 0 For an ideal gas
    • Isobaric W=-P\Delta V
    • Adiabatic Q=0