Determining an expression for an entropy equation

In summary, the problem asks to calculate the entropy of mixing for a system of two monatomic ideal gases A and B with arbitrary proportions, N total molecules, and x fraction of B molecules. The resulting equation is delta(S) mixing = -Nk[x ln x +(1-x) ln (1-x). The solution involves using the Maxwell relation and taking into account the change in volume for each gas.
  • #1
Benzoate
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Homework Statement



Calculate the entropy of mixing for a system of two monatomic ideal gases, A and B ,whose relative proportion is arbitrary. Let N be the total number of molecules and let x be the fraction of these that are of species B. You should find
delta(S) mixing=-Nk[x ln x +(1-x) ln (1-x)

Homework Equations



delta (S(total))=delta(S(A)) + delta(S(B))=2Nk ln 2
S=Nk[ln((V/N)(((4*pi*m*U)/3Nh^2)^(3/2))+2.5]


The Attempt at a Solution



according to my thermal physics text, delta(S(A))=Nk ln 2 . The problem says that in species B , x is just a fraction of N. Then , I think I would have to conclude that delta(S(B))=x/N*(k)*ln(2).

so would my expressison be :delta(S(mixing))=delta(S(A))+delta(S(B))=Nk ln 2+ xk/N*(ln(2))
 
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  • #2
You can't apply [itex]\Delta S_A=Nk\ln 2[/itex] to the general problem; that's the increase in entropy for a single gas expanding into twice its original volume. If [itex]x[/itex] can vary, there's no reason to assume the volume doubles.

Also, remember that as [itex]x[/itex] increases, there are no longer [itex]N[/itex] molecules of gas A but rather [itex](1-x)N[/itex].

One common way to show your desired relation is to assume that each gas expands from its original volume into the total volume and to use the Maxwell relation


[tex]\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right)_T=\left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial T}\right)_V=\frac{nR}{V}\quad[/tex]

[tex]dS=\frac{nR}{V}\,dV[/tex]

to calculate the change in entropy.
 

1. What is entropy and why is it important?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. It is important because it helps us understand the direction and extent of spontaneous processes, and it plays a crucial role in thermodynamics and information theory.

2. How is entropy calculated?

The equation for entropy is ΔS = Q/T, where ΔS is the change in entropy, Q is the heat transfer, and T is the temperature. This equation is derived from the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system always increases or remains constant.

3. What are the units of entropy?

The SI unit of entropy is joules per kelvin (J/K). However, in thermodynamics, it is common to use the unit of entropy called the joule per mole-kelvin (J/mol·K). This unit is used to measure the change in entropy of a specific substance or system.

4. How does entropy relate to energy?

Entropy and energy are closely related. Entropy is a measure of the energy dispersal or randomness in a system, and the second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system always increases or remains constant. In other words, as energy is transferred or transformed, the total entropy of the system increases.

5. Can entropy be negative?

Yes, entropy can be negative. This means that the disorder or randomness in a system decreases, which is often the case in chemical reactions. However, the total change in entropy of the system and its surroundings must be positive, as required by the second law of thermodynamics.

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