Thermodynamics Terms Quiz

A thermodynamic process where the system's volume remains constant. This means that no work is done by or on the system. The process is often represented graphically as a vertical line on a P-V diagram.

The SI unit of pressure. A Pascal is defined as the pressure exerted by a force of one Newton acting on an area of one square meter.

A process that occurs while the temperature of the system remains constant. During this process, heat is transferred into or out of the system to maintain a steady temperature.

A thermodynamic cycle that consists of two isothermal and two constant volume processes. It is commonly used in Stirling engines, which are known for their high efficiency.

A thermodynamic process where the pressure remains constant. This means that the volume changes while the pressure stays the same. This process is often represented graphically as a horizontal line on a P-V diagram.

A state of matter where the temperature is below the saturation temperature corresponding to its pressure. This means that the liquid is colder than it should be for its current pressure.

The form of energy associated with the kinetic energy of the random motion of a large number of molecules within a system. It's essentially the energy of the individual particles that make up the system.

A thermodynamic process is a path taken by a system from one state to another. For example, a process might consist of increasing the pressure of a gas while keeping the volume constant.

The temperature difference of a thermodynamic cycle is directly proportional to the work done and inversely proportional to the entropy difference.

The Joule is the unit of energy. It is defined as the amount of work done when a force of one Newton moves an object through a distance of one meter.

Bernoulli's principle for fluid flow is based on the conservation of energy. This means that the total energy of a fluid remains constant as it flows, even though its form may change.

An equation of state describes the relationship between the different state variables of a thermodynamic system. It can be used to predict how the system will behave under different conditions.

The state of a thermodynamic system is uniquely defined by its thermodynamic properties, such as temperature, pressure, and volume.

The Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. In a superheated, closed Rankine cycle, the working fluid is superheated before entering the turbine, leading to increased efficiency.

The Rankine cycle is a thermodynamic cycle used to convert heat energy into mechanical energy. It is based on the use of a condensable working fluid, typically water.

The Rankine cycle is designed for power generation and typically utilizes a condenser to convert the vapor back to liquid.

The process in which the change in entropy of the isolated system, which comprises the system and the surrounding is greater than zero. The change in entropy of the irreversible process is always positive.

The heat required to vaporize one unit mass of a liquid at constant pressure.

The work done for a closed, reversible, isometric system is zero because the volume remains constant.

The equation dQ = TdS holds for a reversible process, indicating that heat transfer is directly proportional to the change in entropy and temperature.

The change in entropy of the universe due to a process is always greater than or equal to zero. This implies that the total entropy of an isolated system can only increase or stay the same over time.

The Carnot cycle is the most efficient thermodynamic cycle, achieving the maximum possible efficiency for a given temperature difference.

Oxidation is a chemical process involving the loss of electrons by a substance.

Pressure is force per unit area, measured in units like Pascals (Pa), bars, or kilograms per meter per second squared (kg/m-s).

A thermodynamic process where the volume of a system remains constant, resulting in no work being done.

A process that occurs while the temperature of the system remains constant, with heat transfer to maintain a steady temperature.

The internal energy of a system is the energy stored within the system due to the random motion of its constituent particles.

Heat energy transferred to a substance at constant pressure. It represents the total energy change of a system.

A theoretical ideal gas that strictly follows Boyle's law and Charles' law.

A process where the system departs from equilibrium infinitesimally at every instant.

A process where the system returns to its initial state after undergoing a series of processes.

A thermodynamic system that continuously operates with only energy (heat and work) crossing its boundaries.

The absolute zero on the Fahrenheit scale is -459.7 °F. This is the theoretical temperature at which all molecular motion stops, and therefore no heat energy can be extracted from the system.

Kelvin is the unit of absolute temperature on the Celsius scale. It's a more fundamental scale than Celsius, as it starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C) which is the theoretical point where all molecular motion stops.

The force of gravity acting on an object's mass. It's a measure of how strongly an object is pulled towards the Earth.

The point at which a substance transitions from a solid to a liquid. For Tin, this transition occurs at -38.87 °C.

The temperature at which a substance transitions from a liquid to a gas. For Sulfur, this happens at a specific temperature.

Introduced by Anders Celsius in 1742, it's a temperature scale where 0°C is the freezing point of water and 100°C is the boiling point.

Introduced by Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, it's a temperature scale where 32 °F is the freezing point of water and 212 °F is the boiling point.

The point at which a substance transitions from a solid to a liquid. For Zinc, this transition occurs at 419.505 °C.

The area under the curve of a pressure-volume diagram represents the amount of work done during a thermodynamic process. This work is associated with changes in volume against an opposing pressure.

The temperature at which water vapor in the air condenses into liquid water. It depends on the water vapor content in the air.

A technology that directly converts sunlight into electricity without using a working substance like gas or steam. This process is not based on mechanical cycles.

The regeneration process in Stirling and Ericson cycles improves efficiency by preheating the working fluid before it enters the hot zone. This reduces energy losses and increases the overall efficiency of the cycle.

The first law of thermodynamics is fundamentally based on the principle of conservation of energy. This law states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

In a two-phase system, 30% moisture signifies that 30% of the system's mass is in the vapor phase, while the remaining 70% is in the liquid phase. This means that the system contains both liquid and vapor in a specific ratio.

Decreasing the pressure on a liquid results in a lower boiling point. This is because the liquid requires less energy to overcome the external pressure to vaporize.

A property of liquids that reflects their resistance to changing shape under stress or deformation. It measures the internal friction within a liquid.