Why Learn Thermo?

Goals

1. Explain why thermodynamics (thermo) is worth learning.
   
2. Explain who should learn thermo.

Issue

Why should anyone learn thermodynamics?

Conclusion

Engineers and scientists should learn thermodynamics because it is essential for understanding, designing, and improving real-world systems that involve heat, work, energy, and power.

Reasoning

1. People should learn a subject when it is useful to them.

2. Thermodynamics is useful for understanding, designing, and improving systems that involve energy transformations.

   • Examples: power plants, chainsaws, machines of all kinds, engines, motors, stoves, refrigerators, computer chips, traffic signals, airplanes, oil refineries, the human body, volcanoes, and batteries.

3. Therefore, people who need to understand or design energy-related systems—typically engineers and scientists—should learn thermodynamics.

Concerns

1. Thermodynamics is challenging.
   • It involves many abstract concepts.
     
   • However, it is essential for many professionals.
     
   • With Deliberate Practice, learning can be enjoyable and effective.
2. Thermodynamics alone is not enough.
   • Success in designing and improving energy systems also requires skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and design.
     
   • But this is true of most subjects in engineering and science.