2013-3-6 Aspects of the Second Law of Thermodynamics The second law of thermodynamics has many aspects,which at first may appear different in kind from those of conservation of mass and energy principles.Among these aspects are: predicting the direction of processes establishing conditions for equilibrium determining the best theoretical performance of cycles,engines,and other devices. level. Aspects of the Second Law of Thermodynamics Other aspects of the second law include: defining a temperature scale independent of the properties of any thermometric substance. developing means for evaluating properties such as u and h in terms of properties that are more readily obtained experimentally. Scientists and engineers have found additional uses of the second law and deductions from itit also has been used in philosophy,economics,and other disciplines far removed from engineering thermodvnamics. 3 2013-3-6 3 Aspects of the Second Law of Thermodynamics ►predicting the direction of processes. ►establishing conditions for equilibrium. ►determining the best theoretical performance of cycles, engines, and other devices. ►evaluating quantitatively the factors that preclude attainment of the best theoretical performance level. The second law of thermodynamics has many aspects, which at first may appear different in kind from those of conservation of mass and energy principles. Among these aspects are: Aspects of the Second Law of Thermodynamics ►defining a temperature scale independent of the properties of any thermometric substance. ►developing means for evaluating properties such as u and h in terms of properties that are more readily obtained experimentally. Scientists and engineers have found additional uses of the second law and deductions from it. It also has been used in philosophy, economics, and other disciplines far removed from engineering thermodynamics. Other aspects of the second law include: