Skill 13.2 Analyzing how the laws of thermodynamics apply to chemical systems

Skill 13.2 Analyzing how the laws of thermodynamics apply to chemical systems 

Thermodynamics is the study of energy flow in natural systems. Findings in this area have been codified into three important physical laws that describe how energy behaves throughout the universe. In addition to the three traditional laws a zeroth law is often included  

Zeroth Law If two thermodynamic systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third, they are also in thermal equilibrium with each other. This law simply establishes equivalence in thermodynamic systems. 

Second Law The total entropy (disorder) of any isolated thermodynamic system tends to increase over time, approaching a maximum value. This law indicates that disorder increases with every reaction and some energy is always lost to the increase in that disorder. As a result of this law. it is also true that energy transfer always occurs in one direction (heat can pass spontaneously only from a colder to a hotter body). 

Third Law As a system asymptotically absolute zero of temperature all processes virtually cease and the entropy of the system asymptotically approaches a minimum value. This law defines absolute zero (0 K or -273° C), at which all thermal motion stops. However, absolute zero cannot be achieved and even empty outer space has a temperature around 3 K. 

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