Change in entropy of reversible isothermal process

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the change in entropy during a reversible isothermal process, exploring the implications of thermodynamic principles and the relationships between Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy. Participants examine various equations and concepts related to these thermodynamic quantities, including their application in both physical and chemical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation for change in entropy in a reversible isothermal process as $$\Delta S_{sys.}=nRln\left(\frac{V_2}{V_1}\right)$$ and questions the apparent contradiction with another perspective that suggests $$\Delta S_{sys.}=0$$ due to equilibrium conditions.
  • Another participant discusses the derivation of Gibbs free energy change along a constant temperature path and relates it to entropy change, leading to $$\Delta G=-nRT\ln{V_f/V_i}$$.
  • Several participants engage in clarifying the relationship between small changes and large changes in thermodynamic quantities, questioning the transition from differential to total changes in Gibbs free energy and enthalpy.
  • There is a discussion about the applicability of the Gibbs free energy equation in isothermal processes, with one participant noting that it is frequently used in chemical reactions.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for additional chemical potential terms in Gibbs energy equations when reactions occur, indicating that the standard forms may not fully capture the complexities involved.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the implications of Gibbs free energy in the context of chemical reactions and the thermodynamics of mixtures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the change in entropy during isothermal processes, with some asserting that it is zero under certain conditions while others provide alternative equations suggesting a non-zero change. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the correct interpretation of Gibbs free energy in relation to isothermal processes and chemical reactions.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in their understanding of thermodynamic principles, particularly regarding the assumptions underlying the equations discussed and the specific contexts in which they apply. There is also mention of the need for further exploration of the thermodynamics of mixtures to fully grasp the implications of Gibbs free energy in chemical reactions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and professionals in chemistry and thermodynamics, particularly those exploring the relationships between entropy, Gibbs free energy, and enthalpy in both physical and chemical processes.

Aurelius120
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TL;DR
Why is there a difference between changes in entropy calculated by these methods? One using Gibbs energy and the other using the equation of first law of thermodynamics
So I had to find change in entropy of system in reversible isothermal process.
$$T\Delta S_{sys.}=Q\implies \Delta S_{sys.}=nRln\left(\frac{V_2}{V_1}\right)$$
This was good because for isothermal process ##\Delta U=0\implies Q=W##

Then I read this
Throughout an entire reversible process, the system is in thermodynamic equilibrium, both physical and chemical, and nearly in pressure and temperature equilibrium with its surroundings. This prevents unbalanced forces and acceleration of moving system boundaries, which in turn avoids friction and other dissipation.

Everything went wrong from here.
For equilibrium, value of Gibb's energy is zero.
$$dG=0\implies dH-TdS_{sys.}=0$$
$$\implies dU+d(PV)-TdS_{sys.}=0$$
Change in internal energy and change in ##(PV)## iis zero for an isothermal process. Therefore,
$$TdS_{sys.}=0\implies dS_{sys.}=0\implies \Delta S_{sys.}=0$$

So why are there two different values of ##\Delta S_{sys.}##?

I thought it could be that one of the above equations involve ##\Delta S_{univ.}## but both involve ##\Delta S_{sys.}##
 
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Along the process path, $$dG=VdP-SdT$$So for a constant temperature path $$dG=VdP=\frac{nRT}{P}dP$$So, $$\Delta G=nRT\ln{P_f/P_i}=-nRT\ln{V_f/V_i}$$Also, for an isothermal change, ##\Delta H=0##, so $$\Delta G=0-T\Delta S$$So $$-T\Delta S=-nRT\ln{V_f/V_i}$$
 
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Chestermiller said:
Along the process path, $$dG=VdP-SdT$$So for a constant temperature path $$dG=VdP=\frac{nRT}{P}dP$$S
How do you get this??
Shouldn't it be:
If ##\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S##
Then ##dG=dH-TdS## (Small Change)

Also if ##\Delta H=\Delta U+\Delta(PV)##
Then ##dH=dU+d(PV)=dU+VdP+PdV##
##dU=0##

Finally $$dG=VdP+PdV-TdS$$

Correct?
 
Aurelius120 said:
How do you get this??
Shouldn't it be:
If ##\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S##
Then ##dG=dH-TdS## (Small Change)

Also if ##\Delta H=\Delta U+\Delta(PV)##
Then ##dH=dU+d(PV)=dU+VdP+PdV##
##dU=0##

Finally $$dG=VdP+PdV-TdS$$

Correct?
$$dG=dU+d(PV)-d(TS)$$
$$dU=TdS-PdV$$
 
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Chestermiller said:
$$dG=dU+d(PV)-d(TS)$$
$$dU=TdS-PdV$$
If ##d## represents a small change and ##\Delta## represents a large change
Why does the formula change from $$dG=dU+d(PV)-d(TS) \text{ for small change }$$
To $$\Delta G=\Delta U+\Delta(PV) -T\Delta S \text{ for big change}$$
 
For big change, $$\Delta G=\Delta U+\Delta (PV)-\Delta (TS)$$
 
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So the formula I learned in chemistry $$\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S= \Delta U+\Delta(PV)-T\Delta S$$ is only for isothermal cases??
Since I have used it for reactions in chemistry, most chemical reactions are isothermal??

And since products and reactants are different compounds that would explain why ##\Delta H## is not zero despite it being isothermal.
 
Aurelius120 said:
So the formula I learned in chemistry $$\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S= \Delta U+\Delta(PV)-T\Delta S$$ is only for isothermal cases??
Yes.
Aurelius120 said:
Since I have used it for reactions in chemistry, most chemical reactions are isothermal??
If there is a reaction taking place, you need additional chemical potential terms in your equation for dG.
Aurelius120 said:
And since products and reactants are different compounds that would explain why ##\Delta H## is not zero despite it being isothermal.
Have you learned about thermodynamics of mixtures yet?
 
Chestermiller said:
Yes.

If there is a reaction taking place, you need additional chemical potential terms in your equation for dG.
Most questions we have on Gibb's Energy are either on spontaneity, or application of that formula in isothermal case.##\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S##
##\Delta H=\Delta U +\Delta n_gRT##
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1000016660.jpg


1000016661.jpg

Chestermiller said:
Have you learned about thermodynamics of mixtures yet?
Unless you are referring to calorimetry of mixtures,(calculating final temperature given the value specific heats, heat gain, amonut of substances mixed, initial temperature etc.), I am afraid not.
 
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Aurelius120 said:
Most questions we have on Gibb's Energy are either on spontaneity, or application of that formula in isothermal case.##\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S##
##\Delta H=\Delta U +\Delta n_gRT##
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View attachment 342051

View attachment 342052
What is your understanding of what ##\Delta G^0## or ##\Delta G## represents in these problems?
Aurelius120 said:
Unless you are referring to calorimetry of mixtures,(calculating final temperature given the value specific heats, heat gain, amonut of substances mixed, initial temperature etc.), I am afraid not.
You really need to learn about the thermodynamics of mixtures (solutions) if you are going to understand the use of G with regard to chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium. See Chapters 10 and 11 in Smith and Van Ness, Introduction to Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics.
 
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  • #11
Chestermiller said:
What is your understanding of what ##\Delta G^0## or ##\Delta G## represents in these problems?
Since it represents the useful work, I take it to be the extra energy to be provided or the energy released after comtribution from the environment.##[-\Delta(TS)]##
 
  • #12
Aurelius120 said:
Since it represents the useful work, I take it to be the extra energy to be provided or the energy released after comtribution from the environment.##[-\Delta(TS)]##
It represents the change in G in going reversibly from pure reactants in separate containers at T and P to pure products in separate containers at T and P. The useful work and heat added depend on process path.
 
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