热力学 (rèlìxué) — thermodynamics
HSK 8 | noun | thermodynamics; the branch of physics dealing with heat and energy
热力学 (rèlìxué)
热力学 is the branch of physics that studies the relationships between heat, work, temperature, and energy. It is foundational to mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and materials science. The four laws of thermodynamics govern everything from engine efficiency to biological metabolism.
Meanings
- [noun] thermodynamics; the physical science of heat transfer, energy conversion, and entropy
Example Sentences
热力学第二定律表明熵在孤立系统中总是增加的。 Rèlìxué dì èr dìnglǜ biǎomíng shāng zài gūlì xìtǒng zhōng zǒng shì zēngjiā de. The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases in an isolated system.
工程师必须熟练掌握热力学原理才能设计高效发动机。 Gōngchéngshī bìxū shúliàn zhǎngwò rèlìxué yuánlǐ cái néng shèjì gāoxiào fādòngjī. Engineers must master thermodynamic principles in order to design efficient engines.
统计热力学将宏观性质与微观粒子行为联系起来。 Tǒngjì rèlìxué jiāng hóngguān xìngzhì yǔ wēiguān lìzǐ xíngwéi liánxì qǐlái. Statistical thermodynamics links macroscopic properties with microscopic particle behavior.
该反应的热力学可行性通过吉布斯自由能变化来判断。 Gāi fǎnyìng de rèlìxué kěxíngxìng tōngguò jíbùsī zìyóu néng biànhuà lái pànduàn. The thermodynamic feasibility of the reaction is assessed through changes in Gibbs free energy.
化学热力学研究反应体系中的能量转化规律。 Huàxué rèlìxué yánjiū fǎnyìng tǐxì zhōng de néngliàng zhuǎnhuà guīlǜ. Chemical thermodynamics studies the laws of energy conversion in reaction systems.
热力学循环分析是评估热电厂性能的基础方法。 Rèlìxué xúnhuán fēnxī shì pínggū rèdiànchǎng xìngnéng de jīchǔ fāngfǎ. Thermodynamic cycle analysis is the foundational method for evaluating thermal power plant performance.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 热力学定律 | laws of thermodynamics |
| 热力学循环 | thermodynamic cycle |
| 热力学平衡 | thermodynamic equilibrium |
| 统计热力学 | statistical thermodynamics |
| 化学热力学 | chemical thermodynamics |
Usage Notes
热力学 is a formal scientific term used exclusively in academic, engineering, and research contexts. In Chinese physics and chemistry curricula, students encounter 热力学第零定律 through 热力学第三定律 (the zeroth through third laws). Key related terms include 熵 (shāng, entropy), 焓 (hán, enthalpy), 吉布斯自由能 (Gibbs free energy), and 内能 (internal energy).
The field divides into classical thermodynamics (经典热力学) and statistical thermodynamics (统计热力学). In engineering contexts, 热力学分析 is routinely applied to HVAC systems, combustion engines, and refrigeration cycles.
Memory Hook
热 (heat) + 力 (force/power) + 学 (study) — the study of the power of heat.