Thermodynamics (edX)

Many useful relations will be derived. The topics include:

- basic concepts and definitions

- the work interaction

- the first law, energy, and the heat interaction

- the zeroth law, temperature, and scales of temperature

- properties of gases and liquids, equations of state

- the second law, thermodynamic temperature scales, and entropy

- relations between properties

- open thermodynamic systems

There will be emphasis on problem-solving. Students will need to spend significant effort on solving exercises. The course is designed for students in mechanical engineering. However, others (both engineers and scientists) are likely to find it useful. The course has also been found to be useful to teachers of thermodynamics.

Please note that this course is self-paced and you can enroll at any time. At normal pace, this course requires 12 weeks of study, about 10 hours a week.

What you'll learn

- How to relate the zeroth, first and second laws to basic thermodynamic properties, like energy, temperature, and entropy, and to interactions like work and heat

- How to interpret entropy change and entropy production and the related terms isentropic and reversible

- How to derive property relations in an easy manner, and get used to the steam tables

- Solve problems by applying the first and second law of thermodynamics