• Power and Limitations of Thermodynamics: Thermodynamics tells us the minimum amount of work necessary for a process, but the amount that actually be used, will depend upon many factors. Likewise thermodynamics shows us whether a certain reaction may proceed, and what maximum yield may be obtained, but gives no information about the time required. It gives us information concerning the stability of substances, optimum temperature and pressure for a process, etc.

System and Surrounding

  • System: Quantity of matter or a region of space which is under consideration in the analysis of a problem.

  • Surrounding: Anything outside the thermodynamic system is called the surrounding. The system is separated from the surrounding by a boundary. The boundary may be either fixed or moving.