Thermodynamics: First Principle and Applications

This lecture covers the first principle of thermodynamics, focusing on energy conservation and its implications. The instructor begins by discussing the zero principle, which defines temperature, before introducing the first principle as a conservation law for energy. The lecture emphasizes the importance of sign conventions in thermodynamic calculations, explaining how to determine work and heat in various systems. The instructor elaborates on state variables, reversible and irreversible transformations, and the significance of internal energy. The discussion includes practical examples, such as inflating a tire, to illustrate the concepts. The lecture also addresses the relationship between work, heat, and internal energy, highlighting that work is not a state function, while internal energy is. The instructor concludes by exploring thermodynamic cycles, including engines and refrigerators, and their implications for energy transfer and efficiency. Overall, the lecture provides a comprehensive overview of thermodynamic principles and their applications in real-world scenarios.