Thermodynamics of Simple Subsystems: Heat and Matter Transfer

This lecture covers the thermodynamics of simple subsystems, focusing on the interactions between systems and their environments. It begins with the diffusion of liquids, illustrating irreversible processes through examples such as the mixing of a dye in a solvent. The instructor explains the principles of heat transfer, emphasizing the laws governing irreversible heat exchange, including Fourier's law. The discussion extends to the conditions for thermal equilibrium and the role of entropy in irreversible processes. The lecture also addresses mechanical equilibrium and the implications of pressure differences on system behavior. The instructor presents experiments demonstrating heat transfer between different materials and the diffusion of substances, linking these phenomena to thermodynamic principles. The lecture concludes with a detailed analysis of the laws governing irreversible processes, including the laws of Fick and Stokes, providing a comprehensive understanding of how energy and matter transfer occurs in thermodynamic systems.