Introduction and Definitions

Abstract

The subject matter of this book is the classical or equilibrium thermodynamics. The classical thermodynamics is generally known by the simpler term thermodynamics, a word coined from two Greek words thermos heat, and dynamis power for historical reasons. It deals broadly with the conservation and interconversion of various forms of energy, and the relationships between energy and the changes in properties of matter. The concepts of thermodynamics are based on empirical observations of the macroscopic properties of matter in physical, chemical and biological changes, and the resulting observations are expressed in relatively simple mathematical functions. These functions are subjected to the methods of ordinary and partial differential equations to derive related useful equations.