Another "Partial Derivatives in Thermodynamics" Question

In summary: What properties of partial derivatives are being used here to figure out the correct subscripts on the extreme right in the equation, given the subscripts in \frac{\left( \frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right )_{N,E} } {\left (\frac{ \partial S}{\partial E} \right)_{N,V}} ?
  • #1
conservedcharge
2
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Hi all,

It seems I haven't completely grasped the use of Partial Derivatives in general; I have seen many discussions here dealing broadly with the same topic, but can't find the answer to my doubt. So, any help would be most welcome:

In Pathria's book (3rd ed.), equation (1.3.11) says:
[tex] P = \frac{\left( \frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right )_{N,E} } {\left (\frac{ \partial S}{\partial E} \right)_{N,V}} = - \left( \frac{\partial E}{\partial V} \right)_{N,S} [/tex]
My question is 2 fold:

1. How is he writing the first equality in the above equation?
2. What properties of partial derivatives are being used here to figure out the correct subscripts on the extreme right in the equation, given the subscripts in [itex] \frac{\left( \frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right )_{N,E} } {\left (\frac{ \partial S}{\partial E} \right)_{N,V}} [/itex]?
 
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  • #2
conservedcharge said:
1. How is he writing the first equality in the above equation?
2. What properties of partial derivatives are being used here to figure out the correct subscripts on the extreme right in the equation, given the subscripts in [itex] \frac{\left( \frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right )_{N,E} } {\left (\frac{ \partial S}{\partial E} \right)_{N,V}} [/itex]?
He's using the triple product rule
[tex]\left(\frac{\partial x}{\partial y}\right)_{z} \left(\frac{\partial y}{\partial z}\right)_{x} \left(\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}\right)_{y} = -1 [/tex]
 
  • #3
The equality ##P = - \left( \frac{\partial E}{\partial V} \right)_{N,S} ## comes from ##dE = TdS-PdV+\mu dN## by setting dS and dN equal to zero.

The equality ## \frac{\left( \frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right )_{N,E} } {\left (\frac{ \partial S}{\partial E} \right)_{N,V}} = - \left( \frac{\partial E}{\partial V} \right)_{N,S} ## comes from
$$dS=\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right)_{E,N}dV+\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial E}\right)_{V,N}dE+\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial N}\right)_{E,V}dN$$ by setting dN and dS equal to zero.
 
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  • #4
Fightfish said:
He's using the triple product rule
[tex]\left(\frac{\partial x}{\partial y}\right)_{z} \left(\frac{\partial y}{\partial z}\right)_{x} \left(\frac{\partial z}{\partial x}\right)_{y} = -1 [/tex]
Thanks @Fightfish , that helps.
 

1. What is the definition of a partial derivative in thermodynamics?

A partial derivative in thermodynamics is a measure of how a specific thermodynamic variable changes with respect to another variable while keeping all other variables constant. It is denoted by the symbol ∂ and is commonly used to analyze changes in temperature, pressure, and volume in thermodynamic systems.

2. How is a partial derivative calculated in thermodynamics?

In thermodynamics, a partial derivative is calculated by taking the derivative of a function with respect to one variable while treating all other variables as constants. This is represented mathematically as ∂f/∂x, where f is the function and x is the variable of interest.

3. What is the purpose of using partial derivatives in thermodynamics?

The main purpose of using partial derivatives in thermodynamics is to analyze and understand the behavior of thermodynamic systems. By taking partial derivatives, we can determine how changes in one variable affect other variables in the system, which is crucial in understanding the overall thermodynamic process.

4. Can partial derivatives be applied to non-ideal thermodynamic systems?

Yes, partial derivatives can be applied to non-ideal thermodynamic systems. In fact, they are commonly used in the study of non-ideal gases, liquids, and solids to analyze their behavior and make predictions about their properties.

5. How are partial derivatives used in the study of thermodynamic equilibrium?

In the study of thermodynamic equilibrium, partial derivatives are used to determine the conditions under which a system is in equilibrium. By taking partial derivatives of relevant thermodynamic variables, we can determine the necessary conditions for a system to reach equilibrium and analyze the stability of the system.

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