Thermodynamics is the study of heat, work, and how both transform to and from other forms of energy, particularly mechanical energy.
At the core of this subject lie the laws of thermodynamics, which define how temperature, energy, and entropy work on the macroscopic level.
The four laws—numbered zero through three!—define thermodynamic equilibrium, state energy conservation, describe how heat flows from hot to cold objects, and describe reversible and irreversible processes, respectively.
In this chapter, you will learn the basic principles of the laws of thermodynamics and apply them to understand how steam engines in old locomotives, gasoline engines in cars, and refrigerators work.
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