Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics deals with heat inter-action and work inter-action with the substances called systems. Work and heat are forms of energy. Transfer of heat or work to a substance brings about certain changes in the substance and whatever change happens is called a process. Thermo means heat. Since work is also a form of energy, thermo is taken to mean heat and work. Dynamics refers to the changes that occur as a result of heat or work transfer.

Biological systems are capable doing work. For example, micro-organism is capable swimming in the body fluid of its host. It needs to do the work. Where does energy for doing this work come from? It is the metabolic activity that converts some form of energy (Nutrition that it takes form host is a form of chemical energy) into work. It is important then to understand how this happens so that we can exploit this to our engineering benefit.

In thermodynamics we have work transfer, heat transfer and then we have a system for interaction which undergoes a process.