Entropy change when mixing two gases

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the change in entropy when mixing 1.00 mole of nitrogen (N2) gas and 1.00 mole of argon (Ar) gas in insulated containers. The entropy change of the system is derived using the formula s = nRln(2), where n represents the total moles of gas. The environment's entropy change is determined to be zero due to the isolation of the system. The analysis confirms that the gases can be treated separately as ideal gases.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ideal gas laws, specifically PV=nRT
  • Familiarity with entropy calculations, particularly dS = dQ/T
  • Knowledge of thermodynamic principles, including internal energy changes
  • Basic calculus for integration in thermodynamic equations
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Homework Statement


1.00mole of nitrogen (N2) gas and 1.00mole of argon (Ar) gas are in separate, equal-sized, insulated containers at the same temperature. The containers are then connected and the gases (assumed ideal) allowed to mix.
A) What is the change in entropy of the system?
B) What is the change in entropy of the environment?
C)Repeat part A but assume one container is twice as large as the other.

Homework Equations


dS = dQ/T
PV=nRT
dE = dQ - dW

The Attempt at a Solution


This problem is stumping me. This is my attempt. since the T is constant, the internal energy won't change

so dQ = dW
dQ = PdV

Q = \int_{Va}^{Vb} PdV = nRT \int_{Va}^{Vb} \frac{dV}{V}

Q = nRTln\frac{Vb}{Va}

s = Q/T so

s = nRln\frac{Vb}{Va}

the final volume is twice the initial so

s = nRln\frac{Vb}{Va} = nRln\frac{2Va}{Va} = nRln(2)

where n is 2 mols because you combine the mols of each gas.
and this would be the entropy change of the system? for the environment i think it would be 0 because the system is isolated. Am I on the right track?
 
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Yes. Since they are in the ideal gas region, you knew to treat each gas separately. Nice analysis.

Chet
 
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thank you!
 

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