Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics for baby-Do you want to learn?

How could we clearly define Thermodynamics for our Babies?

It’s not always easy to teach our baby about Thermodynamics by equations. Obviously we would choose the simplest strategy to teach them. We could do so with the help of some books and toys which I will be sharing with you in this article. This will facilitate and enhance your baby’s learning in the simplest and easiest way possible, about Thermodynamics.

Below I have chosen to share with you a video to show you how to teach the basic concepts of Thermodynamics to your baby.

==>Here I have selected some top 20 toys<== to best teach your baby about Thermodynamics while they are playing.

==>I have also chosen some good books about Thermodynamics for babies<==

During my studies and research about Thermodynamics, I came up with below to share. Doing so now I know how to explain the basic concepts of Thermodynamics to my own children. I would strongly suggest that you should go through it to find out more.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I make a small commission off purchases, at no extra cost to you. Read my full disclosure here. Thank you for supporting the work I put on this site!”

Basic Concepts of Thermodynamics:

According to scientists thermodynamics and its laws are the tools which literally governed the fate of the universe.

Thermodynamics is a combination of two Greek words Therm means heat and dynamic means motion so thermodynamics means motion of heat.

Thermodynamics is a branch of science which deals with relations among heat energy and work done by heat energy.

Let us list some applications of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic principle is followed in an internal combustion engine which is used in all kinds of:

-Automobiles

Steam engines

-Steam turbine

-Gas turbines

-Power generation

Now let us take the power plant as an example to explain various thermodynamic approaches to generate power.

A boiler converts water into steam which then turns, rotates the turbine blade connected to a shaft. The shaft is coupled with a generator shaft to produce electricity. In the boiler when water is heated the temperature and pressure will increase.

This can be measured by two approaches:

1. Microscopic approach

2. Macroscopic approach

Microscopic Approach:

Similar to matter, water also has numerous molecules. While heating, each molecule will have a certain position. Velocity and energy for a given instant of time and as a result of collision there will be frequent changes in the values of the above variables.

Taking the values of each and every single molecule and summing up these values will give us the exact value of its variables. Like temperature and pressure, this is called microscopic approach or statistical thermodynamics.

Macroscopic Approach:

It is to be noted that one mole will have 6.022 into 10 power 23 molecules. So it is impossible to measure the behavior of every single molecule and it will be convenient to study the behavior of many molecules in the matter.

For example pressure and temperature are measured easily with the help of measuring instruments. This is called a macroscopic approach or classical thermodynamics.

Concepts of Continuum:

From the atomic nature of substances we know that atoms in a matter are widely spaced. In macroscopic approach while considering a volume of molecules at any instant. It will have a specific number of molecules in it, due to random movement of molecules it will not be the same in another instance so the concept of continuum is used in macroscopic approach of thermodynamics in which the atoms in the matter are treated as continuous and homogeneous, that is a continuum.

System:

Before heading into the next topic let us ignite a candle to know about all these terminologies a thermodynamic system is a defined space or area in which the transfer of mass or energy or both takes place. Water in the heat ex changer, lubricating oil in an engine are some examples of thermodynamics systems.

Surroundings:

Anything outside the system which affects the behavior of a system is called as surroundings or environment.

Boundary:

If an air-conditioner is a system then the air in the house and the lawn are the surroundings. System and surroundings are separated by a boundary. It may be fixed or movable and real or imaginary.

It will not occupy any volume or mass in space and has zero thickness.

Universe:

System, boundary and surrounding together comprise a universe.

Thus, below 4 listed are the basic concepts of thermodynamics.

1. Systems

2. Surrounding

3. Boundary

4. Universe

Thermodynamic Systems:

Let us analyze the working of a car engine to discuss different thermodynamic systems. Imagine you are watching the working of an IC engine. The inlet valve opens and air is drawn during the suction stroke. We can see that both the valves are closed during the compression stroke.

Closed System:

The piston moves upward and compresses the air at high pressure and temperature, no mass transfer takes place since all the valves are closed until the piston reaches the top dead center.

This is an example of a closed system thus in a closed system there is no mass transfer but only energy transfer across the system boundaries. Only heat and work interactions are observed within the system. It is also called a control mass system.

Thermodynamics for baby

Open system:

After compression and expansion processes the exhaust valve opens and both mass and energy transfer take place. In an open system as both mass and energy transfer take place, it is also called control volume process. Thus, the exhaust stroke of an IC engine can be called an open system.

Isolated system:

A system which is not affected by the surroundings it’s called an isolated system. Here no heat work and mass transfer takes place. For example when hot milk is pulled in a thermo flask the outer surface is insulated and no heat and mass transfer takes place from the flask to the surroundings. We can call this system an isolated system.

Thus, the types of thermodynamic systems are:

-Closed system

-Open system

-Isolated system

Thermal Equilibrium:

Now let us discuss Thermal Equilibrium. Consider a thermal flat with hot water inside. When its lid is opened heat transfers from the flask to the surroundings and after some time the temperature of this system and the surrounding become uniform. We can say that the system is in thermal equilibrium.

Mechanical Equilibrium:

When we place two identical objects in a system and after some time they will be in a balanced position here. There is no unbalanced force in the seesaw hence the seesaw is in Mechanical Equilibrium.

Chemical Equilibrium:

When a liquid is poured on a ferrous material, due to the electronegativity of the liquid corrosion occurs and after NF electrons are drawn. It will reach a state where it will lose the tendency to draw electrons from the liquid thus there will not be any chemical reaction within the system. This state is called chemical equilibrium.

Thermodynamic Equilibrium:

If a system is in thermal mechanical and chemical equilibrium, we can say that the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium.

Before we summarize, below are some video walk through I would like to share with you about the first and second law of Thermodynamics by professor Dave.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Summary:

In this lesson you have learned about thermodynamics. It is a branch of science which deals with relations among heat energy and work done by heat energy.

Microscopic approach: If the study of behavior of matter is described by summing up various values of each molecule. It is called microscopic approach or statistical thermodynamics.

Macroscopic approach: If the study of behavior of matter is described by the effect of many molecules it is called macroscopic approach or classical thermodynamics.

Concept of Continuum: The atoms in a matter are treated as continuous and homogeneous, that is a continuum.

System: the Space or area in which the energy transfer and conservation takes place.

Surrounding: Anything outside a system that affects the behavior of the system.

Boundary: System and surroundings are separated by a boundary; it may be fixed or movable and real or imaginary.

Universe: System boundary and surroundings together comprise a universe.

Thermodynamic System:

Closed System: In this system only energy transfer with its surroundings takes place.

Open System: In this system energy and matter transfer takes place with its surroundings.

Isolated System: In this system there is no energy or matter transfer with its surroundings.

Thermodynamic Equilibrium: It satisfies the following equilibriums.

Thermal Equilibrium: Temperatures of a system and its surroundings become uniform.

Mechanical Equilibrium: There is no unbalanced force within a system and between the system and its surroundings.

Chemical Equilibrium: There is no chemical reaction within the system.

Thank you very much for reading this article. Kindly leave me your feedback and your comments about the article. In case of any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.


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27 responses to “Thermodynamics for baby-Do you want to learn?”

  1. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    It has been nice to get to understand these concepts. Thermodynamics must be studied in order to understand and build many of the things I have to develop at my new job. But I started researching and the language was not easy for a newbie in this field as me. So I am grateful I found your site.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Hello Ann, 

      Thank you very much for your comment and for your time in reading the article. I am glad you found it useful.

      That is very true! I agree with you simplifying things is not a very easy thing to do unless we do some research and understand those basic concepts in our own words. The scientific language of Thermodynamics could be well understood by simple examples which occurs in our daily living. 

      Good luck with your studies and wish you all the best!

  2. Nelson Avatar
    Nelson

    Very interesting. Thermodynamics is a very amazing part of physics and an inevitable part of our lives. The laws of thermodynamics take effects in outlives each and every day in everything we do. I never knew there were ways one kids about thermodynamics, making it very interesting and simple for them to understand. Well, now I know from reading this article. I am glad about this knowledge. Thanks.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you for your comment and for your time in reading the article. I really appreciate that. I am glad that it was somehow useful for you. The whole purpose of mine behind writing this article was to simplify kid’s learning through this article. I hope that parents find it useful for their children and that it would be of their use and benefit. 

      Stay safe, all the best!

  3. Bogadi Avatar
    Bogadi

    Thank you for the article, I learned a handful . It actually felt like I am in  science class. I am embarrassed to acknowledge that I did not know much about  Thermodynamics , but today from your article I learned that science which deals with relations among heat energy and work done by heat energy. The use of videos and toys will be useful to teach kids about thermodynamics.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you Bogadi. I appreciate your time and your comment. 

      Like Physics, Thermodynamics also is a very essential subject. Children find it hard at the begging but once they are introduced to it from an early age, they will be already familiar with the subject when they start school.

      The selection of toys were done after hours of research and I am very glad I found them on Amazon.

  4. Antarctic Adventures Avatar
    Antarctic Adventures

    This is a very interesting article. I am learning about thermodynamics myself and do not know much and you are did a great job at explaining how and why you can teach it to a baby. Thank you for this very informative article. I will certainly share with all my friends who have babies.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      You’re very welcome! I am glad you found it interesting. That’s right! teaching babies from a very early age, is very useful for them when they grow up and start school. If we are used to it from childhood, we won’t find it difficult when we grow up because we already know the basic and fundamental concepts of it and things will seem to make more sense when we listen to it as grown ups.

      Thank you very much for sharing it. I appreciate that.

  5. Lizzyben Avatar
    Lizzyben

    Hello, this is a very awesome piece and a very detailed one. I’m really happy I came across this as the information I’m getting from here is standard. While going through this article, it felt Like I was in a science class. I can’t believe science is this interesting and I hated it . Maybe it’s the way you explain things but this was really an interesting read. From what I can see here, thermodynamics is really important and it’s nice that you gave this topic an elaborate touch.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you very much for your comment. I really appreciate your time in reading the article and offering a comment.

      I am glad you liked the article and I am very happy for the fact that you like Thermodynamics now. I am sorry to hear that it was not a good subject for you and you hated it. I am sorry for all of those babies who grow up not knowing not only Thermodynamics but also many other subjects from very early ages. Imagine we have lost almost 3 decades probably and just found out now while at the first place it should have been taught during childhood.

      We could have learnt all life but what we learn in childhood, it is for life. The good thing about learning during childhood is that when we grow, by each passing day our knowledge also grows and it remains there until we die.  

  6. Jerry McCoy Avatar
    Jerry McCoy

    Your article is fascinating. I never took physics but learned about heat transference in real life by working on different types of systems. Air conditioning, auto repair to name just a couple. We never discussed the equations but worked with real world actions and reactions. The manner you chose to explain the process is very good. You minds(future scientists) that are exposed to this manner of teaching at an early age will have the advantage over their classmates from the beginning. I appreciate the amount of time you spent researching this to explain it to the rest of us.

    Jerry

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you very much for your time and your valuable comment. I really appreciate you reading through the article. I am glad you found it of value to share among the rest of us. I am hoping to deliver quality to my readers through this article as well like the rest of them. I hope our parents will read and benefit from it.

      I appreciate you bringing even more value to the subject by your kind words and by sharing your great life experiences.

      All the best! 

  7. Anastazja Avatar
    Anastazja

    What a fantastic article.  I don’t think I learned as much throughout my high school career in Physics classes as I did about thermodynamics in this article.  The various systems.  The laws of thermodynamics were outlined simply, clearly and understandably.  That little video was amazing. To think that we can teach our grandchildren at a young age these kind of thermodynamic relationships. This is amazing.  I am bookmarking the page to tell others.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you so much for your comment and for your time in going through the article. I appreciate your kind words. I am very glad you liked the way it is written and that you found it useful.

      Thank you so much for bookmarking and spreading the word. That is very kind of you.

      Meena

  8. David Avatar
    David

    Thank you for such an informative post. As an engineer I am well aware of thermodynamics and it’s roll in science. However, I had no idea such principles are being applied for the teaching of children. I think this is fantastic and should be encouraged on a massive scale. Just by bringing a tiny bit of science into a child’s life can kick start their interest in life and engineering as a whole. There is far too much rubbish these days being pumped into the minds of children so to see this kind of information is a breathe of fresh air and certainly the way forward.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you very much for your time in reading the article.

      I am glad you liked it and I really appreciate your supportive comment. 

      Early education in babies and children deserves our encouragement. The earlier they are being taught, the better.

      Kind regards,

      Meena

  9. Richard Avatar
    Richard

    I have seldom use the term Thermodynamics so this is good learning for me and not just for my kids. Watching the video gave me an idea how to teach them the concepts. However, as I read further the description, I find it fairly advanced for me to understand. Perhaps this is just not a common topic for me, but I am just thinking how I can simplify this further?

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you for your comment. I appreciate your read through. 

      Thermodynamics could be explained to our children in simple life examples. Anything we do in life is Science and Thermodynamics. Transformation of energy, to put things in movement or growth is Thermodynamics. An example is the energy from (natural source) the Sun which makes trees grow and give fruits. 

      The force applied through a machine, turbine or engine to get the work done, is Thermodynamics. An example is air conditioning turbines which work to produce cold air to our house.

      Therefore, the energy transformed into force (applied) to get the work done is called Thermodynamics. 

      Our own body is a good example of Thermodynamics. As we walk, we apply force through energy to move or walk.

      Energy transformed + through application of force = to get the work done / performed (Thermodynamics).

      Thank you for asking the question. I hope this will help you to understand better the concepts of Thermodynamics and explain it in an easy and simple way to your own children.

      All the very best,

      Meena

       

  10. Tamsin Avatar
    Tamsin

    Wow! It just makes you realise how thermodynamics is everywhere – through nature and how we have now harnessed it as a way to power manmade things. The video you shared is a great first step to helping babies understand the concept, taking a complex idea and making it very bitesized and simple for little ones to understand. I’ll certainly be using it with my baby once she’s a little older. Thanks!

  11. gifstandholidays Avatar
    gifstandholidays

    It has been a while since I came across a site that brought a smile to my face. Avery interesting topic for children to learn. I enjoyed the videos they are very fun and informative. I am sure to keep the site on my bookmarkers and I will be sure to come back. But next time with my three-year-old daughter.

    Thank you, for your awesome website.

    Ntlhane

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      You’re welcome to come by anytime! 

      By writing this article, I aimed to help parents in learning and educating their children. Before this research and before my children, I didn’t know we could simplify things to teach to children. 

      I am Glad about the Wealthy Affiliate university where I am learning every single day through my research.

      All the best!

      Meena

  12. Roy Avatar
    Roy

    I have been a science nerd since childhood and can´t get enough of it. I just love to learn. In my profession physics is a need to know, and especially what causes our meteorological conditions to behave as they do. Thermodynamics is a “phenomenon, which we experience daily. To teach our children we need to have a clear understanding of the topic ourselves. Your article is a good source of learning. I will give parents a great tool to explain the workings of Thermodynamics for their children.

    You have pointed to some good resources for toys and for further reading which is great.

    The detail of your explanation of the different thermodynamic states with real-life examples is very good. The example of different engines is something that everyone can relate to.

    Roy

  13. Anusuya Avatar
    Anusuya

    Baby learning thermodynamic through interaction with toys and books will help boost the much desired scientific education and super innovation.

    It is hard to comprehend the concept and laws of thermodynamics to a 6  to 18 months old little scientists through scientific equations as you have mentioned. How much ampler can you make these topics, terms and ideas behind them for them? 
    I loved the video which explains how the energy from sun is transferred to plants which is used to make apples and you get the energy from apples. It tells a whole lot of science. 
    The kids keep learning so they can come up with their own terms and definitions. A question answering method for parents or teachers may help them think.

    If you are traveling on a trains ask them what they see to bring up Einstein’s theory of relativity. Taking a toy and analysis of its fictions may help them get them a better conceptual understanding.

    Doing comparison of different system like a completely closed system and open system with toys will help them getting deep into the subject.

    1. Meena Avatar
      Meena

      Thank you very much for reading through the article and offering a comment. I appreciate your time. 

      Thank you for shedding up even more light into the subject. Your experience, for sure will be a great help for all of us (parents and or caregivers). Now a days, in today’s world children are very lucky that they have absolutely everything they require to learn and grow while playing. I really wish I had these facilities but I unfortunately the war ruined it not only for me but also for hundreds of thousands of other children.

      Early education is like a small plant we grow, which eventually grows within them and turns them into a more successful and knowledgeable individual not only for his own community but also for the society. 

      Kind regards,

      Meena   

  14. zinniabreeze Avatar
    zinniabreeze

    I enjoyed reading this article.  The topic was interesting and very informative.  I love the way the topic was broken down and explained, not only keeping your attention but also easy to understand.  The subject of thermodynamics is not an easy one to explain, but in this article, it was made easy to understand.  If I find the need to explain what this and how it works, I will refer back to this article.

  15. Parameter Avatar
    Parameter

    Thank very much for this resources on how to help our babies understand thermodynics. We find rhe applications of thermodynamics in our everyday affairs like you sited that of electricity. As such helping them to understand the concept early enough makes it easier. I will buy the book babies love science board  ooks. It will be of good use for my baby

  16. bethebest#128 Avatar
    bethebest#128

    This is an excellent article. Very helpful, informative, and eye-opening. I would love to read this a few more times just do digest everything. I think that you could define some more terms for the less initiated and explain more thoroughly how this applies to babies. 

    You could also flesh out the terms and write an article about each one.

    I think that the links, videos, and defined terms significantly help this article to come full circle.

    Overall, this read is very innovative, scientifically adept, and well-rounded.

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