Maximum entropy and thermal equilibrium

In summary, the entropy increase of the system is ΔS = m1c1 ln(T/T1) + m2c2ln (T'/T2). Energy conservation requires that m1c1(T-T1) = m2c2 (T2-T').
  • #1
sapiental
118
0
3) An object of mass m1, specific heat c, and temperature T1 is placed in contact with a second object of mass m2, specific heat c2 and temperature T2>T1. As a result, the temperature of the first object increases to T and the temperature of the second object decreases to T'.

a) Show that the entropy increase of the system is

deltaS = m1c1 ln(T/T1) + m2c2ln (T'/T2)

b) Show that energy conservation requires that

m1c1(T-T1) = m2c2 (T2-T')

c)Show that the entropy change in S, considered as a function of T, is a maximum if T' = T, which is just the condition of thermodynamic equilibrium.
 
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  • #2
step by step with the variables...
 
  • #3
This is what I get

a) This is a calculation of an entropy change for an irreversible process. Since entropy is a state function, ΔS is independent of path. All we have to do is imagine a reversible path which will effect the same change and calculate the entropy change for the reversibly path.

ΔS_total = ΔS_cold + ΔS_hot


ΔS_total = m1c1 integral T1 to T (dT/T) + m2c2 integral T2 to T' (dT/T)

ΔS_total = m1c1 ln(T/T1) + m2c2 ln(T'/T2)

b) C = Q/dT

therefore m1(Q/dT)(T-T1)=m2(Q_2/dT)(T2-T')


Due to conservation of energy, these two equations must be equal. Because the Heat capacities differ, T and T' are different as well.
I know the specific heat is somehow supposed to cancel out the temp change but I am not sure what dt = for each side. somebody help :confused:

C) no clue what do do here, maybe integrate from T to T'? :confused:
 
  • #4
c) you must get the total differential of S considered as a function of T (i.e. an equation of the form dS = f(T)dT +...

And since a max in entropy means dS=0, what condition does this set on f(T)?
 
  • #5
total differential would be f(t)dt+f(t1)dt+f(t2)dt+f(t')dt?

sorry, I'm very bad at calculus.
 

What is maximum entropy?

Maximum entropy is a concept in thermodynamics that refers to the state of a system when it has reached its highest possible level of disorder or randomness. It is the state of equilibrium in which all energy is evenly distributed.

How is maximum entropy related to thermal equilibrium?

Thermal equilibrium is the state in which two systems that are in contact with each other have reached the same temperature. Maximum entropy is achieved when a system is in thermal equilibrium, as the energy is equally distributed and there is no net flow of heat between the two systems.

Why is maximum entropy important in thermodynamics?

Maximum entropy is important because it allows us to determine the most likely state of a system. In nature, systems tend to move towards a state of maximum entropy, which is why it is also known as the "law of disorder". This concept helps us understand and predict the behavior of complex systems.

How is maximum entropy calculated?

The maximum entropy of a system can be calculated using statistical mechanics, which involves using probability and statistics to describe the behavior of a large number of particles. The Boltzmann equation is often used to calculate the maximum entropy of a system.

Can maximum entropy ever decrease?

In a closed system, the maximum entropy can never decrease. This is due to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will always remain constant or increase over time. However, in an open system, the maximum entropy can decrease if energy is introduced from an external source.

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