Thermodynamics - Class 11 Physics

Thermodynamics

1. Thermodynamic System and Surroundings

  • A system is a part of the universe under observation.
  • Everything outside the system is surroundings.
  • Types of systems: Open, Closed, and Isolated.

2. Internal Energy (U)

  • Sum of kinetic and potential energies of molecules inside the system.
  • It changes when heat is added or work is done.

3. First Law of Thermodynamics

  • Energy conservation principle applied to thermodynamic systems.
  • ΔQ = ΔU + ΔW
  • ΔQ = heat supplied, ΔU = change in internal energy, ΔW = work done by the system.

4. Specific Heat and Molar Specific Heat

  • Specific heat: Heat required to raise temperature of 1 kg substance by 1 K.
  • Q = mcΔT
  • Molar specific heat: Heat required to raise temperature of 1 mole of substance by 1 K.

5. Thermodynamic Processes

  • Isothermal: Temperature remains constant (ΔT = 0, ΔU = 0)
  • Adiabatic: No heat exchange (ΔQ = 0)
  • Isobaric: Pressure remains constant
  • Isochoric: Volume remains constant (ΔW = 0)

6. Work Done in Thermodynamic Processes

  • Work = PΔV (in isobaric process)
  • In general: W = ∫PdV (area under P-V curve)
  • Work is positive when done by the system, negative when done on the system.

7. Second Law of Thermodynamics

  • Heat cannot flow from colder to hotter body without external work.
  • Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements express this law.

8. Reversible and Irreversible Processes

  • Reversible: Can be reversed with no change in system or surroundings.
  • Irreversible: Natural processes; cannot be completely reversed.

9. Heat Engine

  • Converts heat energy into mechanical work.
  • Absorbs heat Q1 from source, does work W, rejects Q2 to sink.
  • Efficiency η = W / Q1 = 1 - (Q2 / Q1)

10. Refrigerator

  • Device that transfers heat from cold region to hot region using external work.
  • Coefficient of Performance (COP): β = Q2 / W

Note: This summary follows the NCERT Class 11 Physics Chapter: Thermodynamics.