Concept: Differentials are small chunks

Prerequisite concepts

Differentials are small chunks

$df$ can be viewed as a small chunk of $f$. When combined with 'The derivative is a ratio of small changes', it's easy to relate differentials to derivatives.

Representations used

No activity!

NEEDS NAME

$df$

ENTER LONG DESCRIPTION

Zapping with d

Equations can be 'zapped with d' to relate differentials

FIXME: Does the difference between zapping with d and taking the total differential need to be articulated?

Differentials are small changes or differences Individual differentials can be manipulated algebraically Total differentials are linear

First Law and thermodynamic identity

The thermodynamic identity defines temperature and pressure as partial derivatives $đQ = TdS$ (edit later) $đW = - pdV$ (edit later)