Thermodynamics

Chapter Four

Working Substance

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Diagrammatic Representation

4.3 Tabular Presentation

4.4 Equations

4.5 Analysis of a Gas System

Summary

Exercises

4.1 Introduction

In Chapter 1, we learnt the tools used for analysis of thermal systems. In this chapter, we shall study behaviour of substances which are used in thermal systems. Based on its chemical properties, a substance may be classified as an element, compound or a mixture. A substance is called a mixture if (i) its constituents can be separated by suitable physical or mechanical means, (ii) if its constituents can occur in all proportions, (iii) its heat of formation¹ is zero, and (iv) the overall properties are weighted average properties. A mixture is homogeneous if its ...