24. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (cont.) and Entropy

For more information about Professor Shankar’s book based on the lectures from this course, Fundamentals of Physics: Mechanics, Relativity, and Thermodynamics, visit  Fundamentals of Physics (PHYS 200) The focus of the lecture is the concept of entropy. Specific examples are given to calculate the entropy change for a number of different processes. Boltzmann’s microscopic formula for entropy is introduced and used to explain irreversibility. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Review of the Carnot Engine 19:18 - Chapter 2. Calculating the Entropy Change 35:34 - Chapter 3. The Second Law of Thermodynamics as a Function of Entropy 43:46 - Chapter 4. The Microscopic Basis of Entropy Complete course materials are available at the Yale Online website: This course was recorded in Fall 2006.