law of thermodynamics

Other forms: laws of thermodynamics

Definitions of law of thermodynamics

1. noun

   (physics) a law governing the relations between states of energy in a closed system
   types:

   second law of thermodynamics

   a law stating that mechanical work can be derived from a body only when that body interacts with another at a lower temperature; any spontaneous process results in an increase of entropy

   third law of thermodynamics

   law stating that the entropy of a substance approaches zero as its temperature approaches absolute zero

   zeroth law of thermodynamics

   the law that if two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with a third body then the first two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with each other

   conservation of energy, first law of thermodynamics, law of conservation of energy

   the fundamental principle of physics that the total energy of an isolated system is constant despite internal changes

   type of:

   law, law of nature

   a generalization that describes recurring facts or events in nature