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 8 years ago

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