DG is for isothermal thus dH =0?

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In isothermal processes, the change in internal energy (ΔU) and enthalpy (ΔH) should theoretically be zero for ideal gases, as they are functions of temperature only. However, for non-ideal systems, other variables such as pressure and volume also play a role, leading to non-zero values for ΔH. The relationship ΔG = ΔH - TΔS simplifies to ΔG = -TΔS when ΔH is zero, which can cause confusion if previous calculations indicated otherwise. The discussion highlights the importance of considering the system's nature, including factors like changes in the number of gas moles, which affect total enthalpy but not specific enthalpy. Understanding these thermodynamic principles clarifies the behavior of different systems under isothermal conditions.
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If U, H are functions of T only, then ΔU and ΔH should be zero for isothermal processes
ΔG and ΔA are only defined at constant T (thus define isothermal processes)
ΔG = ΔH – TΔS thus equals -TΔS always (since ΔH=0)?
this makes no sense since from previous calculations I have done in many problems ΔH has nonzero value
similarly, ΔA = ΔU - TΔS= -TΔS?
Please help clear my confusion, thanks.
 
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U and H are functions of only temperature if the gas is ideal (in which case ΔH=ΔU=0 for an isothermal process). For a non-ideal system, temperature is not the only relevant variable.
 
The fundamental thermodynamic relation is:
<br /> dU = T \, dS - P \, dV<br />
which would imply that the internal energy U is a function of entropy S and volume V as natural variables. The partial derivatives can be read off from this differential form:
<br /> T = \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial S}\right)_{V}, \; P = -\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial V}\right)_{S}<br />
Because the mixed second partial derivatives have to be equal, we have the following identity:
<br /> \left(\frac{\partial T}{\partial V}\right)_{S} = -\left(\frac{\partial P}{\partial S}\right)_{V}<br />
which is one of the Maxwell relations.

The other therodynamic potentials are Legendre transfroms:
<br /> \begin{array}{lcr}<br /> H = U + P \, V &amp; dH = T \, dS + V \, dP &amp; H = H(S, P) \\<br /> <br /> A = U - T \, S &amp; dA = -S \, dT - P \, dV &amp; A = A(T, V) \\<br /> <br /> G = U - T \, S + P \, V &amp; dG = -S \, dT + V \, dP &amp; G = G(T, P)<br /> \end{array}<br />
You should be able to deduce the other three Maxwell relations from these expressions.
 
danago said:
U and H are functions of only temperature if the gas is ideal (in which case ΔH=ΔU=0 for an isothermal process). For a non-ideal system, temperature is not the only relevant variable.

Wow is this really it?
perhaps changes in moles of gas is also a factor?
 
sparkle123 said:
Wow is this really it?
perhaps changes in moles of gas is also a factor?

If we are talking about the total enthalpy (i.e. in units of energy), then yes it will change with the number of moles of gas; however the specific enthalpy (i.e. energy/mole) will remain unchanged.
 
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