How many laws of thermodynamics are there? (3 or 4?)

There are total four laws of thermodynamics. They are; Zeroth law The zeroth law gives us the concept of thermal equilibrium.  Zeroth law states that if two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with the third body, then that two bodies are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. For more information on zeroth law, check … Read more

Why are the Laws of Thermodynamics Important? (Simple)

The laws of thermodynamics are very important in our day to day life as all the four laws govern the universe. Every single thing which happens around us shows the importance of the laws of thermodynamics. Also; It gives the concept of thermal equilibrium It gives us the concept of energy conservation It tells us … Read more

Who discovered the third law of thermodynamics? (And when?)

The third law of thermodynamics was discovered by German chemist Walther Hermann Nernst during the year 1906 to 1912. Explanation: Let me tell you some history behind the discovery of Third law of thermodynamics. When German chemist Walther Hermann Nernst studied about the second law of thermodynamics, his mind was completely disturbed. He studied that … Read more

2 Major Application of Third law of thermodynamics (Easy)

There are two major applications of Third law of thermodynamics, which are mentioned below. Using the third law of thermodynamics, we can find whether the substance is pure crystalline or not? We can find the absolute entropy of any substance at a given temperature. Explanation:  #1 How can we find whether the substance is pure … Read more

Third Law of Thermodynamics Equation (Simple & Easy)

The third law of thermodynamics equation is mentioned below. Here, I’ll also tell you why entropy of pure crystalline substances is zero. So first of all, the statement of third law of thermodynamics is; “The value of entropy of a completely pure crystalline substance is zero at absolute zero temperature” Now let us see the … Read more

Why Second Law of Thermodynamics is Needed? (2 Reasons)

There are two main reasons why second law of thermodynamics is needed or important. Second law of thermodynamics is used to check whether the process is spontaneous or not. (Whether the process occurs on its own or not?) It also tells us the direction in which the process will proceed. Let’s take an example of … Read more

What is Second Law of Thermodynamics in Chemistry? (Easy)

In chemistry, the second law of thermodynamics is mainly focused on entropy. The entropy statement of the second law of thermodynamics is given below. Entropy statement of Second law of thermodynamics: “In all the spontaneous processes, the entropy of the universe increases.” Above statement can be mathematically written as; The entropy statement of the second … Read more

What is Second Law of Thermodynamics in Physics? (Easy)

In physics, the second law of thermodynamics deals with two devices; Heat engine and  Heat pump (or refrigerator). The second law of thermodynamics for the heat engine is known as Kelvin-Plank’s statement. While the second law of thermodynamics for heat pump is known as Clausius statement. Let’s discuss these two statements below. Kelvin Planck’s statement … Read more

Who discovered the second law of thermodynamics? (And when?)

The short answer: German physicist Rudolf Clausius discovered the second law of thermodynamics during the year 1850. Explanation:  During the year 1850, Rudolf Clausius discovered the second law of thermodynamics as;  “Heat can not itself flow from colder body to a hotter body.” This is known as Clausius statement in thermodynamics. Also in 19th century … Read more

How is the first law of thermodynamics related to the movement of an automobile?

First of all, we know that according to the first law of thermodynamics; “Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but it can only be transformed from one form to another” Now a question for you. Do you know how the engine of your car or bike works? It is just a conversion of heat … Read more