Calculating specific heat capacity from entropy

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating specific heat capacities, \(C_p\) and \(C_V\), from the entropy function \(S(U,V,N)=A(UVN)^{1/3}\). The equations for heat capacities are defined as \(C_P=T \left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{N,P}\) and \(C_V=T \left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{N,V}\). Participants highlight the importance of correctly treating variables when differentiating and suggest deriving an equation of state to simplify calculations. A common error noted is the incorrect assumption that \(V\) or \(P\) can be treated as constants during differentiation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic concepts, particularly entropy and heat capacities.
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives in thermodynamics.
  • Knowledge of the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature in thermodynamic systems.
  • Ability to manipulate equations of state for thermodynamic variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of specific heat capacities from entropy in thermodynamics.
  • Learn how to derive and use equations of state for thermodynamic systems.
  • Explore the implications of Maxwell's relations in thermodynamics.
  • Investigate the relationship \(C_P-C_V=\frac{TV\alpha_P^2}{\kappa_T}\) in detail.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in thermodynamics, particularly those studying heat capacities and entropy calculations. It is also useful for researchers working on thermodynamic modeling and analysis.

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Homework Statement
Given the entropy S of system, calculate the specific heat capacity C_V and C_p
Relevant Equations
$$C_P=T \left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{N,P}$$ and
$$C_V=T \left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{N,V}$$
Hey guys! I'm currently struggling with a specific thermodynamics problem.
I'm given the entropy of a system (where ##A## is a constant with fitting physical units): $$S(U,V,N)=A(UVN)^{1/3}$$I'm asked to calculate the specific heat capacity at constant pressure ##C_p## and at constant volume ##C_V##.
I know that the two are given by the following equation:
$$C_P=T \left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{N,P}$$$$C_V=T \left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{N,V}$$I've tried to eleminate ##U## from the equation by calculating: $$\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial V}\right)=\frac{P}{T}=\frac{1}{3}(NU)^{1/3}V^{-2/3}$$ Solving for ##U## and plugging it back into the original equation gives me: $$S(P,V,T)=\frac{PV}{T}$$
I don't know if my steps were correct so far but what I'm now struggling with is calculating ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{P}## and ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{V}##. For me they would be both equal to $$\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)=-\frac{PV}{T^2}$$ But I don't think that is correct because the relationship $$C_P-C_V=\frac{TV\alpha_P^2}{\kappa_T}$$ needs to bet true.

It would be awesome if anyone could help me out with this one and point me in the right direction. Thank you!
 
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Looks like you dropped a factor of 3 in getting to the equation ##S = \frac{PV}{T}##.

I don't know if my steps were correct so far but what I'm now struggling with is calculating ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{P}## and ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{V}##. For me they would be both equal to $$\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)=-\frac{PV}{T^2}$$

When calculating ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{P}## you can't treat ##V## as a constant. Likewise when calculating ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{V}## you can't treat ##P## as a constant.

One way to proceed is to find the equation of state that relates the 3 variables ##P##, ##V##, and ##T##. You can then use this to write ##S## as a function of just ##T## and ##P## which then makes it straightforward to evaluate ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{P}##. Or, you can write ##S## as a function of just ##T## and ##V## so that you can evaluate ##\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_{V}##. I don't know if this is the best way, but it's one way.
 
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