Is there a relationship between mean free path and thermal equilibrium?

In summary, the mean free path of a species in a gas is inversely related to pressure, which is a thermal equilibrium value. This suggests a potential relationship between mean free path and thermal equilibrium. Additionally, the concept of thermal equilibrium leads to the definition of temperature and diffusive equilibrium, where chemical potential may be expressed as a function of mean free path. However, this is not always possible and any relationship would likely result in order of magnitude estimates. The speed of sound in the medium may also play a role, but explicit connections are difficult to determine. Consider reviewing the provided paper for further insight.
  • #1
Hot_phonon
1
0
Dear collegue,
I would like to ask you if some body know if there are explicit or implicit relation between "mean free path" and "thermal equilibruim"

Many thanks for your response.
Best regards.
 
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  • #2
How about this:
The mean free path of a species in a gas decreases when pressure increases. Since pressure is a thermal equilibrium value we see that they are can be related.
Keep in mind that thermal equilibrium states that the rates at which the entropy increases in two systems in contact is the same with respect to a transfer of energy. This idea leads to our definition of temperature and consequently what you should be looking for is a way to write T as a function of l. The same should hold for diffusive equilibrium, ie: find a way to write chemical potential as a function of l.
I'm not saying this is always possible.
 
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  • #3
I should imagine that the mean free path is in some way related to the speed of sound in the medium, which would then be related to how long it would take for a disturbance in the system to propagate throughout. But this would all give order of magnitude estimates, I can't think of anything explicit.
 
  • #4
I believe this paper could be of interest to your discussion.

http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ApJ/journal/issues/ApJ/v495n2/36196/36196.html
 
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1. What is thermodynamic equilibrium?

Thermodynamic equilibrium is a state in which a system's macroscopic variables, such as temperature, pressure, and composition, do not change over time. This means that the system is in a stable, balanced state and there is no net flow of energy or matter within the system.

2. How is thermodynamic equilibrium achieved?

Thermodynamic equilibrium is achieved when a system is isolated from its surroundings and allowed to reach a state of maximum entropy. This means that all energy within the system is uniformly distributed and there is no potential for further work or change.

3. What is the role of entropy in thermodynamic equilibrium?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In thermodynamic equilibrium, the system has reached a state of maximum entropy, meaning that the energy within the system is evenly distributed and there is no potential for further change or work.

4. How does thermodynamic equilibrium relate to the laws of thermodynamics?

Thermodynamic equilibrium is a fundamental concept in the laws of thermodynamics. The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In thermodynamic equilibrium, the energy within a system is evenly distributed and there is no potential for further transformation. The second law states that entropy in a closed system will always increase over time, and thermodynamic equilibrium is the state of maximum entropy in a closed system.

5. Can thermodynamic equilibrium be achieved in real-world systems?

In theory, thermodynamic equilibrium can be achieved in any isolated system, but in reality, it is difficult to achieve in a practical sense. This is because most systems are constantly exchanging energy and matter with their surroundings, preventing them from reaching a state of true equilibrium. Additionally, external factors such as temperature gradients can also prevent a system from reaching equilibrium.

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