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What are the laws of thermodynamics?

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Quick answer

The laws of thermodynamics describe how energy behaves. In short: energy can't be created or destroyed, only transformed; systems naturally move toward disorder (entropy); and you can never reach absolute zero. They govern everything from engines to the universe. First law: energy is conserved — it only changes form.

Key things to understand

  1. First law: energy is conserved — it only changes form.
  2. Second law: entropy (disorder) tends to increase.
  3. Third law: you can't reach absolute zero temperature.
  4. They underpin physics, chemistry, and engineering.

People also ask

What are the laws of thermodynamics?
Rules about energy: it's conserved, disorder tends to increase, and absolute zero can't be reached.
What is the first law of thermodynamics?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another.
What is entropy in thermodynamics?
A measure of disorder; the second law says total entropy tends to increase over time.

Part of the guide: Energy & Electricity at Home →