Box containing particles and be left alone

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter touqra
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Box Particles
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Gibbs paradox in statistical mechanics, specifically regarding the entropy of a system when a box containing particles is divided into two equal parts. The initial entropy formula used, S=NkT lnV, is correct, but the calculation of the new entropy after division is flawed. The correct new entropy should account for the indistinguishability of particles, leading to S_{new} = NkT ln(V/2) + NkT ln(V/2), which resolves the apparent paradox. This highlights the importance of proper entropy calculations in thermodynamic systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution
  • Familiarity with the concept of entropy in thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics principles
  • Basic mathematical skills for manipulating logarithmic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Gibbs paradox in statistical mechanics
  • Learn about the derivation and application of the entropy formula S=NkT lnV
  • Explore the concept of particle indistinguishability in thermodynamics
  • Investigate advanced topics in statistical mechanics, such as phase transitions
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, as well as researchers interested in the foundational concepts of entropy and particle behavior in systems.

touqra
Messages
284
Reaction score
0
Suppose I have a box containing particles and be left alone, with a total amount of energy, E. Hence, at equilibrium, these particles will obey the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. The entropy of the system is,

[tex]S=NkT lnV[/tex]

where T is the temperature of the system. V = volume of box.

Suppose now, I divide this box equally into two, hence, now, each new box's volume is V/2, and the number of particles in each box is just N/2. But the temperature of these two new systems will stay the same, since they were in equilibrium initially.
Now, the new entropy of both systems would be:

[tex]S_{new}=\frac{N}{2}kTln V/2 + \frac{N}{2}kTln V/2[/tex]
[tex]S_{new} = NkT ln V - NkTln 2[/tex]

But, [tex]S_{new} < S[/tex]

Where did I go wrong?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
You're adressing the famous "Gibbs paradox" in statistical mechanics (there's actually no paradox), but you're using an incorrect formula for entropy...

Daniel.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K