How Does Surface Tension Affect Thermodynamic Potentials in Soap Bubbles?

In summary, thermodynamics is the study of heat and its relationship to other forms of energy, as well as the behavior of systems under changes in temperature, pressure, and volume. Soap bubbles are used as a classic example in thermodynamics to demonstrate concepts such as surface tension, energy minimization, and equilibrium. The different colors of soap bubbles are caused by the interference and diffraction of light waves passing through the thin film of soapy water. The temperature of the surrounding environment can affect the behavior of soap bubbles, with higher temperatures causing expansion and lower temperatures causing collapse. Soap bubbles do not violate the laws of thermodynamics, but can sometimes seem to defy gravity due to the surface tension of the soapy water film.
  • #1
Zero-shift
8
0
For a system modelling a soap bubble, the differential work done is now given by:

dW = −pdV + γdA, where γ is the surface tension and A the area. Compute new differential expressions for the potentials U, H, F, G. What are the new natural variables in each case? Are there any new Maxwell relations?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Zero. This looks like a homework problem, can you provide more context as to where the problem is sourced from, and what you've already done to try and solve it?
 
  • #3
not homework, Its revision of past exam paper.
 

1. What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of science that deals with the study of heat and its relationship to other forms of energy, such as work. It also studies the behavior of systems when undergoing changes in temperature, pressure, and volume.

2. How do soap bubbles relate to thermodynamics?

Soap bubbles are a classic example used in thermodynamics to demonstrate concepts such as surface tension, energy minimization, and equilibrium. The formation and behavior of soap bubbles can be explained using thermodynamic principles.

3. Why do soap bubbles have different colors?

The colors of soap bubbles are caused by the interference and diffraction of light waves as they pass through the thin film of soapy water. The thickness of the film changes as the bubble expands and contracts, resulting in different colors being reflected.

4. How does temperature affect soap bubbles?

The temperature of the surrounding environment can affect the behavior of soap bubbles. Higher temperatures can cause the bubbles to expand, while lower temperatures can lead to their collapse. Thermodynamic laws can explain these changes in bubble size and stability.

5. Can soap bubbles violate the laws of thermodynamics?

No, soap bubbles do not violate the laws of thermodynamics. They are subject to the same laws as any other system and follow the principles of energy conservation, entropy, and equilibrium. However, they can sometimes seem to defy gravity due to the surface tension of the soapy water film.

Similar threads

How does soap water membrane thickness affect surface tension?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
771
The shape of the surface of a soap film
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
35
Views
5K
Exploring Soap Bubble Oscillations: A Comparison of Force and Energy Approaches
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
2K
Fluid - Work done to blow a soap bubble
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Change of Variables in Thermodynamics
    • Thermodynamics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Two soap bubbles coalesce, what is the surface tension?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
18K
Calculating surface tension with the Capillary Equation
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
29
Views
3K
Surface tension in terms of temperature and concentration of an added substance
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Thermodynamics state equations
    • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Understanding Surface Tension and the Role of Force in U-Shape Wire Frames
    • Mechanics
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top