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Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

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Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Temperature

A macroscopic scalar measure of the average translational kinetic energy of constituent particles in a physical system.

1 / T = (∂S / ∂U)_V, E_avg = (3/2) kB T K (°C, °F)
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Thermal Conduction

The transfer of thermal energy through a stationary medium via microscopic particle collisions and free electron movement without bulk…

q = -k A (dT/dx) (Fourier's Law) W/m² (k in W/(m·K))
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Thermal Convection

The transfer of heat energy between a solid surface and an adjacent moving fluid, driven by bulk fluid motion.

q = h A (T_surface - T_fluid) (Newton's Law of Cooling) W (h in W/(m²·K))
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Thermal Efficiency

The dimensionless ratio of net mechanical work produced by a heat engine to total thermal energy input supplied.

η = W_net / Q_input = 1 - (Q_out / Q_in) Dimensionless (%)
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Thermal Radiation

The emission of electromagnetic energy from matter due to thermal agitation of its charged constituent particles.

P = ε σ A T⁴ (Stefan-Boltzmann Law) W
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Thermal Stress

Mechanical stress developed within a material when thermal expansion or contraction is constrained by rigid boundaries.

σ = E α ΔT Pa (N/m²)
Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Third Law of Thermodynamics

The law stating that as system temperature approaches absolute zero (0 K), entropy of a pure crystalline substance approaches a minimum…

lim (T → 0) S = 0 J/K