Thermodynamics For Dummies

Take some heat off the complexity of thermodynamics Does the mere thought of thermodynamics make you sweat? It doesn't have to! This hands-on guide helps you score your highest in a thermodynamics course by offering easily understood, plain-English explanations of how energy is used in things like automobiles, airplanes, air conditioners, and electric power plants.



Thermodynamics 101 — take a look at some examples of both natural and man-made thermodynamic systems and get a handle on how energy can be used to perform work


Turn up the heat — discover how to use the first and second laws of thermodynamics to determine (and improve upon) the efficiency of machines


Oh, behave — get the 411 on how gases behave and relate to one another in different situations, from ideal-gas laws to real gases


Burn with desire — find out everything you need to know about conserving mass and energy in combustion processes



Open the book and find:



The laws of thermodynamics


Important properties and their relationships


The lowdown on solids, liquids, and gases


How work and heat go handin hand


The cycles that power thermodynamic processes


Chemical mixtures and reactions


Ten pioneers in thermodynamics


Real-world applications of thermodynamic laws and concepts



Learn to:



Master the concepts and principles of thermodynamics


Develop the problem-solving skills used by professional engineers


Ace your thermodynamics course