Describing system in terms of 2 variables vs natural variables

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This discussion focuses on the concept of natural variables in thermodynamics, specifically in relation to Gibbs free energy, which is uniquely specified by pressure and temperature. The conversation highlights that while any two parameters can describe a system, natural variables provide a more intuitive framework for understanding thermodynamic potentials. The user also expresses a desire to deepen their knowledge of statistical physics and its connections to quantum field theories, including topics like renormalization and phase transitions.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamic potentials, specifically Gibbs free energy.
  • Familiarity with partial derivatives in the context of thermodynamics.
  • Basic knowledge of statistical physics concepts.
  • Awareness of quantum field theory fundamentals.
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  • Research the role of natural variables in different thermodynamic potentials.
  • Study the implications of Gibbs free energy in phase transitions.
  • Explore statistical mechanics and its applications in thermodynamics.
  • Learn about renormalization in quantum field theories.
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those interested in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, and quantum field theories.

I<3NickTesla
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Realised I probably posted this in the wrong forum before, should've been here..

I often see a function's differential expressed in terms of convenient partial derivatives eg
dU=(dU/dT) dT + (dU/dV) dV

And I've seen it written that "any system is uniquely specified by two parameters, such as pressure and volume, or perhaps pressure and temperature"

But then what's the deal natural variables? What's so "natural"/good about them if any pair will do? By natural I mean that I've seen the natural variables for gibb's energy as pressure and temperature.
 
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right, for the Gibbs free energy, the natural variables are pressure and temperature. But there are other thermodynamic potentials than just the Gibbs free energy, and they will have some other natural variables. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermodynamic_potential
This website is pretty good. I'll admit that I don't know as much about statistical physics as I would like to know. It is a pretty interesting topic. And then it naturally leads to things like quantum field theories. (i.e. related to renormalisation and phase transitions and symmetry and stuff).
 

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