Physics · Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
A topic within Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics, itself one of 10 topics in that field and part of Physics.
No prior grounding assumed.
Thermodynamics: Crash Course Physics #23
Shini Somara (CrashCourse) · 2016
Walks through the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics and why they rule out perpetual motion, for a viewer who has never seen them before.
Assumes you know the vocabulary.
Reflections on the Motive Power of Fire
Sadi Carnot · 1824
Argues that the efficiency of any heat engine is capped by the temperature difference it operates across alone, independent of the working substance,…
Primary sources and full treatments.
The Mechanical Theory of Heat
Rudolf Clausius · 1867
States the first and second laws as 'the energy of the universe is constant; the entropy of the universe tends to a maximum,' giving entropy its name…
3 works
Shini Somara (CrashCourse)
Walks through the zeroth, first and second laws of thermodynamics and why they rule out perpetual motion, for a viewer who has never seen them before.
link checked 17 Sept 2026Sadi Carnot
Argues that the efficiency of any heat engine is capped by the temperature difference it operates across alone, independent of the working substance, founding what became the second law.
link checked 17 Sept 2026Rudolf Clausius
States the first and second laws as 'the energy of the universe is constant; the entropy of the universe tends to a maximum,' giving entropy its name and its physical meaning.
link checked 17 Sept 2026