Entropy and Heat Capacity have the same units. Connection? Redundancy?

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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the relationship between entropy and heat capacity, emphasizing that both concepts share the same units and are interconnected in thermodynamic processes. Participants argue that energy tends to flow from media with low heat capacity to those with high heat capacity, but this is countered by the principle that heat flows from higher to lower temperature bodies, as stated in the second law of thermodynamics. The conversation also highlights the distinction between extensive and intensive properties, clarifying that energy, entropy, and temperature are fundamentally different physical quantities. The discussion concludes that understanding the interplay between these concepts can enhance thermodynamic analysis and applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the second law of thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with extensive and intensive properties in physics.
  • Knowledge of specific heat capacity and its variations (isochoric and isobaric processes).
  • Basic concepts of statistical mechanics related to entropy.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the second law of thermodynamics and its implications on heat flow.
  • Study the differences between extensive and intensive properties in thermodynamics.
  • Explore specific heat capacities of various materials and their effects on energy transfer.
  • Investigate statistical mechanics to deepen understanding of entropy and its role in thermodynamic systems.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, thermodynamics, and engineering, particularly those interested in energy transfer, heat capacity, and entropy in various materials and processes.

  • #31
It should be remembered that temperature is a variable of macroscopic thermodynamics.

As such it performs well in use and is fit for purpose.

When you get to microscopic thermodynamics (which roughly equates to statistical thermodynamics) the concept of temperature becomes less and less useful the smaller you get, as does heat capacity and entropy. This comment also applies to thermodynamics of very sparsely populated systems.

What, for instance, is the temperature, entropy etc of a universe that consists of a single particle?

Associating a temperature with an energy is not possible even in macroscopic thermodynamics. If I move a brick from the floor to the table top in my room there is an energy change but no corresponding temperature change as a result.
 

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