The Beginning: What Is Thermodynamics? Why Is Thermodynamics Important Today? How Is Thermodynamics Used in Engineering.? WHAT IS THERMODYNAMICS? Thermodynamics is the study of energy and how it may be utilized to enhance people's lives. In thermodynamics, we examine energy and all of its technical implications at the same time. The objects examined in thermodynamics are referred to as systems, and mechanics' free body diagrams are substituted. Thermodynamics is the study of the many processes that transfer energy from one form to another. It employs variables like as temperature, volume, and pressure. Energy may be held by an item or a system, and it can be transported as electromagnetic radiation across empty space[1]. Energy conservation is one of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics. This law is so fundamental that it is known as the first law of thermodynamics. It asserts that energy may be transformed from one form to another, but it cannot be generated or destroyed (energy is therefore "conserved"). Gravitational, kinetic, thermal, elastic, chemical, electrical, magnetic, and nuclear energy are some of the more prevalent types of energy. Much of today's technology is based on our capacity to effectively transfer energy from one form to a more useful form. WHY IS THERMODYNAMICS IMPORTANT TODAY? Fig.1. engine Every year, the globe consumes 1.06 cubic miles of oil as an energy source for a broad range of purposes. Coal, gas, and nuclear energy offer additional energy, equivalent to another 1.57 mi3 of oil. We also use renewable energy, such as solar, biomass, wind, and hydropower, in volumes equal to 0.37 million cubic meters of oil each year. One cubic mile of oil is equal to 1.1 trillion gallons and contains 160 quadrillion (160 � 1015) kilojoules of energy[2]. Every year, the globe consumes 1.06 cubic miles of oil as an energy source for a broad range of purposes[3]. Coal, gas, and nuclear energy offer additional energy, equivalent to another 1.57 mi3 of oil. We also use renewable energy, such as solar, biomass, wind, and hydropower, in volumes equal to 0.37 million cubic meters of oil each year. HOW IS THERMODYNAMICS USED IN ENGINEERING? MODYNAMICSE? ■ Automotive engines (Figure 1), turbines, heat exchangers, bearings, gearboxes, air conditioners, freezers, nozzles, and diffusers are all examples of systems where mechanical engineers investigate the flow of energy. ■ In the fields of electrical engineering electronic cooling issues, energy efficiency increase in big electric energy generation and new technologies for the conversion of electrical energy, such as fuel cells, are developed. ■ In building procedures, solid waste disposal, geothermal power production, transit systems and environmental impact analyses, the civil engineers are involved in the energy use. ■ Engineers in materials design novel energy-efficient metal alloys, build high-temperature engine materials and use the special characteristics of nanotechnologies. ■ In manufacturing, industry engineers decrease energy consumption and waste, create innovative techniques of energy management and enhance workplace safety. ■ Aerospace engineering develops air and space vehicle, space and planetary residential energy management systems (Figure 1-2). ■ In the healthcare business, biomedical engineers build improved energy transmission networks, design novel diagnostic and treatment instruments and research the energy flows of biological systems. All disciplines of engineering employ energy conversion and utilization to better the human condition.