Chemical Thermodynamics

A system is the part

A system is the part of the universe being studied (e.g., reaction mixture in a beaker), while surroundings comprise everything else. Three types exis

State functions depend only on initial

State functions depend only on initial and final states, not on the path taken. Examples include pressure, temperature, volume, internal energy, and e

Extensive properties depend on system size

Extensive properties depend on system size (mass, volume, heat capacity, internal energy). Intensive properties are independent of size (temperature,

Exothermic reactions release heat to surroundings

Exothermic reactions release heat to surroundings (ΔH < 0): combustion of fuel, neutralization of acids with bases, rusting of iron. The system become

Energy cannot be created or destroyed

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it only transforms from one form to another. Mathematically: ΔU = q + w, where ΔU is internal energy change, q