Useful Definitions, Postulates, Nomenclature, and Sample Problems

Abstract

The material presented in this lecture is adapted from Chapter 2 of T&M. First, we will introduce useful definitions which will be utilized throughout Parts I, II, and III of this book. Second, we will discuss two (I and II) out of the four (I, II, III, and IV) postulates which serve as the pillars on which the edifice of thermodynamics is erected. These postulates can be viewed as truisms which cannot be proven from first principles, but that are consistent with our experimental observations, and have withstood the test of time. Third, we will present the nomenclature which will be utilized throughout this book. Fourth, we will solve Sample Problem 2.1 to determine if a system is simple or composite. Finally, we will solve Sample Problem 2.2 to shed light on the liquid-vapor monovariant line in a pressure (P)-temperature (T) phase diagram.