Certificate of Achievement
has completed the following course:
Energy: Thermodynamics in Everyday Life
This online course explored the four laws of thermodynamics which govern energy use. The course related how these laws can be applied to both everyday examples and issues of global concern.
5 weeks, 3 hours per week
Eann Patterson
A.A. Griffith Chair of Structural Materials & Mechanics
University of Liverpool
Transcript
Learning outcomes
- Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the implications of the zeroth, first, second and third laws of thermodynamics
- Demonstrate elementary skills in defining a thermodynamic system and analysing its energy content and transfers (energy accounting)
- Demonstrate rudimentary knowledge, understanding and skills in assessing efficiency and identifying losses in energetic processes
- Demonstrate an awareness of statistical thermodynamics
Syllabus
Zeroth law of thermodynamics: thermal equilibrium; temperature as a measure of thermal equilibrium; temperature scales; introduction to statistical thermodynamics.
Energy conservation: energy as capacity to do work; first law of thermodynamics applied to a system.
Thermodynamic systems: national energy efficiency; systems terminology; enthalpy; specific heat capacity; forms of work; working cycles.
Energy Flows: heat transfer (conduction, convection & radiation); Liedenfrost effect; steady flow energy equation; application in jet engine and hair dryer.
Machines & efficiency: Clausius statement of second law; irreversible processes; power cycles; refrigerators and heat pumps; entropy decay. Available energy: spontaneous change; Gibbs’ Energy; Coupled processes; isentropic functions.
Third law and beyond: superconductivity; approaching absolute zero; beyond absolute zero.
Issued on 21st November 2016
The person named on this certificate has completed the activities in the transcript above. For more information about Certificates of Achievement and the effort required to become eligible, visit futurelearn.com/proof-of-learning/certificate-of-achievement.
This certificate represents proof of learning. It is not a formal qualification, degree, or part of a degree.