Thermodynamics = science of the interconversion of different forms of ENERGY (ex/ heat, mechanical work, chemical energy)
-> Chemical reactions involve a transfer of energy between the system and surrounding

System = the part of the universe under observation
-> The System can be:
a) "open" - both mass & energy may leave and enter (i.e. beaker)
b) "closed" - energy can be exchanged but no mass can enter/leave (i.e. sealed flask)
c) "isolated" - neither mass nor energy may enter/leave (i.e. insulated, closed container)

Surroundings = the rest of the universe
Therefore, the "universe" is made up of the ""System" and the "Surroundings"

The "STATE" of a system is characterized by a set of variables (i.e. P, V, T, n, etc.)
These are STATE VARIABLES.
-> P, V, T, n and mass can be classified as either:
* Intensive - independent of size (ex/ P, T, etc.)
* Extensive - dependent of size (ex/ mass, V, n, etc.)

We can transfer energy in and out of a system, where the INTERNAL ENERGy of the system may change

	Created by Rachel Farkas over 10 years ago

University of Guelph CHEM 1050 (Thermodynamics) Slide Set on Thermodynamics Part 1, created by Rachel Farkas on 25/03/2016.