Physics

Study of matter, energy, and their interactions in the universe.

Matter: Building Blocks of the UniverseEnergy: Powering the UniverseForces and MotionWaves and Light
Relativity: Time, Space, and SpeedQuantum Physics: The World of the TinyFields and ElectromagnetismThermodynamics: Heat and Energy Flow
Physics in Everyday TechnologyUnderstanding the Natural WorldMedical and Safety Applications
Mastering Physics ProblemsUsing Real-World Connections
Matter: Building Blo...Energy: Powering the...Forces and MotionWaves and LightRelativity: Time, Sp...Quantum Physics: The...Fields and Electroma...Thermodynamics: Heat...Physics in Everyday ...Understanding the Na...Medical and Safety A...Mastering Physics Pr...Using Real-World Con...
Advanced Topics

Thermodynamics: Heat and Energy Flow

What is Thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the study of heat, energy, and how they move from place to place. It explains why your ice cream melts, why engines run, and even how stars shine!

The Laws of Thermodynamics

  • First Law: Energy can’t be created or destroyed, only changed.
  • Second Law: Heat always flows from hot to cold, and things naturally get messier (entropy increases).
  • Third Law: As things get colder, they approach absolute zero, where particles barely move.

Everyday Thermodynamics

From fridges to cars to weather patterns, thermodynamics governs how heat and energy work in the real world.

Examples

  • A refrigerator keeps food cold by removing heat from inside.

  • Car engines burn fuel to release energy and make the car move.

In a Nutshell

Thermodynamics explains how heat and energy move, affecting everything from engines to the weather.

Key Terms

Thermodynamics
The study of how heat and energy move and change.
Entropy
A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.
Absolute Zero
The lowest possible temperature, where particles stop moving.
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Physics in Everyday Technology