Uploaded May 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
We apply the first law of thermodynamics to understand the Stirling cycle heat engine.
Note on the definition of a "closed system." I am using the term "closed system" in the sense of the following definition from Thermal Physics by Charles Kittel: "A closed system is defined as a system with constant energy, constant number of particles, and constant volume." Another term for such a system is "isolated system," in which case "closed system" may refer to a system that has a constant number of particles but can exchange energy with its surroundings.
We apply the first law of thermodynamics to understand the Stirling cycle heat engine.
Note on the definition of a "closed system." I am using the term "closed system" in the sense of the following definition from Thermal Physics by Charles Kittel: "A closed system is defined as a system with constant energy, constant number of particles, and constant volume." Another term for such a system is "isolated system," in which case "closed system" may refer to a system that has a constant number of particles but can exchange energy with its surroundings.
