Illustrations of Thermodynamics: Feynman's Physics Explained

Feynman Vol I10-11

Thermodynamics is abstract but yields surprising, exact relationships between the properties of materials. For example, it can prove that heating a stretched rubber band at fixed length must increase its tension. The laws connect how a material's properties change with temperature to the heat it gives off when stretched or compressed — letting us understand a system without knowing its detailed inner machinery.

The big idea

Thermodynamics reveals exact links between heat and material behavior.

Think about it

A rubber band warms slightly when stretched fast. What does that hint about the energy stored in its molecules?

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