Advanced Placement Physics 2 focusing on fluids, thermodynamics, and modern physics.
Thermodynamic processes describe how systems exchange heat and work. Engines use these processes to convert thermal energy into mechanical work.
Engines like those in cars operate on cycles (e.g., the Carnot cycle), transforming heat into work with some energy lost as waste heat.
Understanding these processes helps us build more efficient engines, refrigerators, and even power plants, reducing energy waste and environmental impact.
A gasoline engine uses the Otto cycle to move a car.
Refrigerators use the reverse of an engine cycle to pump heat out of their compartments.
Thermodynamic cycles explain how engines work, converting heat into useful work in everything from cars to refrigerators.