Conservation of entropy -- adiabatic process

In summary, the question is whether the entropy of a thermodynamic system with thermo isolated walls will be conserved. The answer is no, as entropy is only conserved in a reversible adiabatic process, not in an irreversible one. Overall, entropy is not a conserved quantity.
  • #1
AlexS
5
0
Hello.I have a question about entropy of a thermodynamic system.
1)If we have let say a gas that is separated by some thermo isolated walls (so no heat goes in or out) does the entropy of that gas conserve? I taught that if S=dQ/dt, because Q=0,then the entropy should be conserved.
2)So,does the entropy of a system that undergoes an adiabatic process conserve?
 
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  • #2
No. Entropy is generated in a system experiencing an adiabatic irreversible process and is constant in a system experiencing and adiabatic reversible process. Entropy is not a quantity that,in general, is conserved.
 

1. What is the conservation of entropy?

The conservation of entropy is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics that states that the total entropy of a closed system remains constant over time. This means that although entropy can be transferred from one form to another, the total amount of entropy in the system will not change.

2. What is an adiabatic process?

An adiabatic process is a thermodynamic process in which there is no heat transfer between the system and its surroundings. This means that the system is isolated and does not exchange energy with its surroundings in the form of heat. Adiabatic processes are often used to model the behavior of gases and can be either reversible or irreversible.

3. How does conservation of entropy apply to an adiabatic process?

In an adiabatic process, the total entropy of the system remains constant because there is no heat transfer. This means that any changes in the system's entropy are due to internal changes, such as work done by the system or changes in temperature. The conservation of entropy ensures that the total amount of entropy in the system remains the same throughout the process.

4. What are some real-world applications of the conservation of entropy in adiabatic processes?

The conservation of entropy in adiabatic processes has many practical applications. For example, the principles of adiabatic cooling and heating are used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Additionally, the conservation of entropy is important in understanding the behavior of gases in internal combustion engines and in the design of industrial processes that involve heating and cooling.

5. Are there any exceptions to the conservation of entropy in adiabatic processes?

While the conservation of entropy is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics, there are some exceptions in certain extreme conditions. For example, in black holes and during the Big Bang, the laws of thermodynamics break down and the concept of entropy becomes more complex. However, in most real-world scenarios, the conservation of entropy holds true in adiabatic processes.

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