Thermodynamics Fundamentals for Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Exams — PickAClass
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⏱ 3h 1m 📚 30 lessons

Thermodynamics Fundamentals for Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Exams

Master the core principles of thermodynamics to confidently solve conceptual and numerical problems for competitive engineering exams.

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About this course

Succeeding in competitive engineering exams requires a rock-solid grasp of thermodynamic principles and the ability to solve complex problems with speed and accuracy. This written course is designed to break down challenging concepts into clear, digestible explanations that prepare you for rigorous assessments. You will transition from memorizing formulas to genuinely understanding the physical laws governing energy and work. What you will learn: Understand the foundational definitions of systems, surroundings, properties, and processes; Apply the First Law of Thermodynamics to both closed and open systems; Master the Second Law of Thermodynamics, entropy generation, and exergy analysis; Analyze thermodynamic cycles including vapor, gas, and refrigeration cycles; Practice solving high-yield exam-style numerical problems systematically; Evaluate modern applications of thermodynamic principles in clean energy and sustainability. The course begins with essential terminology and basic concepts before moving systematically through the laws of thermodynamics, property relations, and cycle analyses. This course is designed for engineering students and graduates preparing for competitive technical exams, with no prior advanced thermodynamics knowledge required. Start mastering thermodynamics today and build the analytical skills needed to excel on your exam.

Course contents

5 modules · 30 lessons · 3h 1m

1 Module 1: Foundations and Terminology
Master the basic vocabulary and concepts of thermodynamics. 6 lessons · 34 min
  1. Systems, Surroundings, and Boundaries
    Differentiate between open, closed, and isolated systems and their environments.    6 min
  2. Thermodynamic Equilibrium
    Understand thermal, mechanical, and chemical equilibrium states.    5 min
  3. Properties: Intensive vs. Extensive
    Identify properties like temperature and pressure versus mass and volume.    6 min
  4. Processes and Cycles
    Define paths, states, and the concept of a thermodynamic cycle.    6 min
  5. Temperature and the Zeroth Law
    Explain the basis for temperature measurement and thermal equilibrium.    5 min
  6. Pressure and Its Measurement
    Calculate absolute, gauge, and vacuum pressure for engineering problems.    6 min
2 Module 2: The First Law of Thermodynamics
Apply energy conservation principles to various engineering systems. 6 lessons · 38 min
  1. Energy Transfer by Heat and Work
    Distinguish between energy crossing boundaries as heat versus work.    6 min
  2. First Law for Closed Systems
    Calculate internal energy changes and work for non-flow processes.    7 min
  3. Specific Heats: Cv and Cp
    Use specific heat capacities to find enthalpy and internal energy changes.    6 min
  4. First Law for Open Systems
    Apply the Conservation of Mass and Energy to control volumes.    7 min
  5. Steady-Flow Devices: Nozzles and Turbines
    Analyze energy changes in common engineering flow components.    6 min
  6. Throttling Valves and Heat Exchangers
    Evaluate enthalpy-driven processes in valves and exchangers.    6 min
3 Module 3: The Second Law and Exergy
Understand the direction of processes and the quality of energy. 6 lessons · 38 min
  1. Introduction to the Second Law
    Explain why energy has quality and processes have direction.    6 min
  2. Heat Engines and Thermal Efficiency
    Calculate the efficiency of systems converting heat to work.    6 min
  3. The Carnot Cycle
    Define the theoretical maximum efficiency for any heat engine.    6 min
  4. Entropy and Entropy Generation
    Quantify irreversibilities using the Clausius inequality and entropy balance.    7 min
  5. Exergy: The Work Potential
    Determine the maximum useful work possible from a given state.    7 min
  6. Exergy Destruction and Second Law Efficiency
    Analyze where energy potential is lost in real-world processes.    6 min
4 Module 4: Properties and Power Cycles
Analyze real substances and standard thermodynamic cycles. 6 lessons · 37 min
  1. Pure Substances and Phase Changes
    Describe the behavior of substances like water during boiling and condensation.    6 min
  2. Using Property Tables and Diagrams
    Extract data from steam tables and P-v/T-s diagrams.    7 min
  3. Gas Power Cycles: Otto and Diesel
    Model the internal combustion engine cycles used in cars and trucks.    6 min
  4. Gas Power Cycles: Brayton Cycle
    Analyze the cycle used in gas turbines and jet engines.    6 min
  5. Vapor Power Cycles: Rankine Cycle
    Evaluate the standard cycle for steam power plants.    6 min
  6. Refrigeration and Heat Pump Cycles
    Analyze the reverse-cycle systems used for cooling and heating.    6 min
5 Module 5: Exam Mastery and Modern Applications
Synthesize knowledge for exam success and future engineering trends. 6 lessons · 34 min
  1. Systematic Problem-Solving Strategy
    Learn a step-by-step approach to decompose complex exam questions.    5 min
  2. High-Yield Practice: First Law Problems
    Solve common numericals involving energy balance and work.    7 min
  3. High-Yield Practice: Cycle Analysis
    Solve multi-stage problems involving efficiency and state changes.    7 min
  4. Thermodynamics in Clean Energy
    Explore solar thermal and geothermal energy through a thermo lens.    5 min
  5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
    Link exergy destruction to environmental degradation and resource use.    5 min
  6. Final Exam Tips and Review
    Recap key formulas and time-management strategies for exams.    5 min
Final project

The Comprehensive Power Plant Audit

You are tasked with analyzing a simplified steam power plant. You must calculate the state properties at each point, determine the thermal efficiency, calculate entropy generation, and suggest one improvement based on exergy analysis to enhance sustainability.

What you'll get

  • 📜 Certificate of completion
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  • 💬 Personal AI tutor
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  • ♾️ Lifetime access
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  • 📱 Phone or computer
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  • 💸 14-day refund
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  • ⚡ Short & focused
    3h 1m of practical content

Certificate of completion

Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.

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Thermodynamics Fundamentals for Mechanical and Chemical Engineering Exams
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Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed 14 / 14
Practice questions 26 / 28
Assignments submitted 4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice 6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion 11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score 91 / 100
Practice-question score 94%
Skill verification Verified Skill Path
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Issued under the academic standards of PickAClass. Skill levels reflect assessed performance against the course's competency rubric. This is an original credential of this platform.

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Yes — full refund within 14 days, no questions asked.

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Yes. On completion you'll receive a certificate you can add to your LinkedIn profile.

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