How do atoms affect thermodynamics?

In summary, atoms have a significant influence on thermodynamic variables due to their role in determining temperature. This is evident in both daily examples such as the speed of atoms affecting temperature, as well as in more complex scenarios such as the sudden increase in temperature during a thermonuclear explosion. Additionally, the concept of temperature is only applicable when considering a large number of particles, but at the individual atom level, other factors such as kinetic energy and momentum play a role.
  • #1
lucas_
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There was a time when they didn't believe in atoms. But thermodynamics and temperature still existed and applied. What are the ways that atoms can influence thermodynamics? I can only think of one now where the temperature of the nuclear warhead suddenly increased million folds due to the chain reaction and thermonuclear explosion. But what daily example where atoms can influence any thermodynamic variables?
 
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Since temperature is due to the energy of moving atoms, and the speed that atoms are moving depends on their mass and how much kinetic energy they have, it's safe to say that atoms influence ALL thermodynamic variables. Try this Google search:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=speed+of+atoms+vs+temperature
 
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  • #3
Tom.G said:
Since temperature is due to the energy of moving atoms, and the speed that atoms are moving depends on their mass and how much kinetic energy they have, it's safe to say that atoms influence ALL thermodynamic variables. Try this Google search:
https://www.google.com/search?&q=speed+of+atoms+vs+temperature

Ok. But I want to know effects where it's not scalar (affecting temperature all over), but vectorial, where only certain regions are affected.
 
  • #4
lucas_ said:
Ok. But I want to know effects where it's not scalar (affecting temperature all over), but vectorial, where only certain regions are affected.
I don't know what that means.

But you should understand that temperature is a thermodynamic quantity related to the average energy of a large number of particles. If we look at only 1 or 2 particles (atoms), the concept of temperature does not apply, but kinetic energy, and momentum do apply. Momentum has direction and is "vectorial".

See this article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperature#Kinetic_theory_approach
 

1. What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy, and how they affect matter. It studies the behavior of systems as they exchange energy with their surroundings.

2. What are the laws of thermodynamics?

The laws of thermodynamics are fundamental principles that govern the behavior of energy and matter in a thermodynamic system. The four laws are: 1) Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted from one form to another. 2) The total entropy of a closed system always increases over time. 3) The entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is zero. 4) As a system approaches absolute zero, all processes cease and the entropy of the system approaches a constant minimum.

3. How do atoms relate to thermodynamics?

Atoms are the building blocks of matter and are the basis of thermodynamics. The behavior of atoms and their interactions with each other determine the properties of matter and how it responds to changes in energy. The study of thermodynamics helps us understand how atoms behave in various conditions and how they contribute to the overall behavior of a system.

4. What is the difference between kinetic and potential energy in thermodynamics?

Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion, while potential energy is the energy that an object has due to its position or state. In thermodynamics, kinetic energy is related to the movement of particles, while potential energy is related to the forces between particles. Both forms of energy play important roles in the behavior of a thermodynamic system.

5. How does thermodynamics relate to everyday life?

Thermodynamics plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, from the functioning of our bodies to the operation of machines and devices. It helps us understand how energy is transferred and transformed in various processes, such as cooking, refrigeration, and combustion. It also helps us make informed decisions about energy use and conservation.

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