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What are macroscopic variables in thermodynamics?
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Variables such as pressure, temperature, volume, number of moles, and mass that describe the state of the system.
What is an adiabatic process?
A process in which no heat is transferred between the system and its surroundings.
Who calculated the impact of CO2 on climate in the late 1800s and what was the predicted timeframe for problems?
Arrhenius; problems were predicted in 2,000 years.
How are temperature scales like Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin defined?
They are defined by specific reference points and interpolation schemes for measuring temperature.
Define a reversible path in thermodynamics.
A path where the system remains in equilibrium throughout the process.
Explain the concept of entropy according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
Entropy measures the degree of disorder in a system, and the Second Law states that entropy tends to increase over time, indicating the direction of time.
Explain the transitive property of thermal equilibrium.
If system A is in thermal equilibrium with system B, and system B is in thermal equilibrium with system C, then system A is in thermal equilibrium with system C.
What is a system in thermodynamic terms?
A part of the universe being studied, separated from its surroundings by a boundary.
How does thermodynamics apply to biological systems?
Through processes like burning calories, creating heat, and ATP usage.
Define the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics.
It defines temperature and thermal equilibrium, stating that if two systems are each in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are in thermal equilibrium with each other.
What are the four laws of thermodynamics in order?
Zeroth Law, First Law, Second Law, Third Law.
What is the primary focus of thermodynamics?
The science of the flow of heat.
What does the First Law of Thermodynamics state?
It defines energy and the conservation of energy, stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
What is the difference between extensive and intensive properties?
Extensive properties scale with the size of the system (e.g., volume, mass), while intensive properties do not (e.g., temperature).
Differentiate between open, closed, and isolated systems.
Open system: allows mass and energy transfer. Closed system: allows energy but not mass transfer. Isolated system: no mass or energy transfer.
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