Change in entropy, quasistatic, isothermal expansion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation ΔS=Q/T for the isothermal expansion of a monoatomic ideal gas under quasistatic conditions. The key equations involved include ΔU=Q+W, the ideal gas law PV=NkT, and the expression for entropy change ΔS=Nk*ln(V_final/V_initial). The solution process emphasizes that since the process is isothermal, ΔU equals zero, leading to Q equating to the work done, W. The final steps involve expressing heat in differential form and integrating to find the change in entropy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the first law of thermodynamics: ΔU=Q+W
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law: PV=NkT
  • Knowledge of entropy and its relation to heat transfer: ΔS=Q/T
  • Basic calculus for integration of differential forms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the first law of thermodynamics in detail
  • Learn about the properties of monoatomic ideal gases and their behavior during isothermal processes
  • Explore the concept of quasistatic processes and their significance in thermodynamics
  • Practice integrating differential equations related to thermodynamic processes
USEFUL FOR

Students of thermodynamics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone studying the behavior of gases during isothermal expansions will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


I am to show that ΔS=Q/T for the isothermal expansion of a monoatomic ideal gas, when the expansion is so slow that the gas is always in equilibrium.

Homework Equations


1. law: ΔU=Q+W (We mustn't use dQ and dW - our teacher hates that :( ).
Ideal gas law: PV=NkT
We need the equation: ΔS=Nk*ln(V_final/V_initial)
And that quasistatic expansion work is W=-PΔV

The Attempt at a Solution


-I think I am to start with: ΔU=Q+W⇔Q=ΔU-W, where ΔU=0 since its isothermal.
-I know that it is quasistatic expansion work, so W = -PΔV, so Q = -(-PΔV) = PΔV
I think I want to get something from the ideal gas law in here: P=(NkT)/V, so

Q=(NkTΔV)/V

But then I kind of get stuck there...

Hope someone can help. I thinks it is really easy, but I kind wrap my head around it.
 
Last edited:
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Looking at what you are supposed to show, take Q/T and compare that to what you have for ##\Delta S##.
So it seems like the question is: does ##\frac {\Delta V}{V} = \ln \frac{V_{final}}{V_{initial}}##?
 
Yeah - something like that?
 
What do you know about the function for V and/or ##\Delta##V if you are given an initial and final state?
Also, in the equations you provided for the ideal gas law, you change between R and k, are these different parameters?
 
I don't know anything but what I have written unfortunately. No, sorry - that's my mistake. It should have been k all along.
 
You really had the right idea in your initial post. Nice job. Now, just express the heat in differential form:
dQ=PdV=\frac{NkT}{V}dV
Then integrate between the initial and final volumes.

Chet
 
Great - thanks a lot :)
 

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