Fundamental principles of thermodynamics

The fundamental principles of thermodynamics describe how energy moves and transforms in physical systems. The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or changed from one form to another, like heat to work. The second law states that in any energy transfer, some energy disperses as unusable heat, increasing disorder or entropy. These principles govern processes like engines, refrigerators, and natural phenomena, ensuring understanding of energy efficiency and limits. Together, they form the foundation for analyzing how energy behaves in everything from engines to the Earth's climate.