Entropy Difference of an Unknown Gas (not an ideal gas)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around estimating the difference in entropy between two states of an unknown gas, based on temperature, pressure, and volume measurements. The context includes thermodynamic principles and the application of Maxwell's equations, with a focus on non-ideal gas behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the challenge of estimating entropy change due to the unknown nature of the gas and the lack of thermodynamic tables.
  • Another participant suggests a relation for the partial derivative of entropy with respect to pressure at constant temperature, referencing Maxwell's equations.
  • A participant confirms their learning of Maxwell's equations and proposes a specific relation involving entropy and volume changes, expressing uncertainty about its application.
  • There is a suggestion that using finite differences to estimate the entropy change is acceptable, given the problem's wording.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the application of certain thermodynamic relations and whether state 3 is relevant for the entropy calculation. There is no consensus on the best approach to estimate the entropy difference.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in their understanding of the relevant equations and the implications of the gas not being ideal. There is also a dependence on the definitions of the thermodynamic properties involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Students studying thermodynamics, particularly those learning about Maxwell's equations and entropy calculations for non-ideal gases.

albertov123
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Homework Statement


Temperature, pressure and volume measurements performed on 1 kg of a simple compressible substance in three stable equilibrium states yield the following results.

State 1 (T1=400 C , V1= 0,10 m3, P1=3 MPa)
State 2 (T1=400 C , V1= 0,08 m3, P1=3,5 MPa)
State 3 (T1=500 C , V1= 0,10 m3, P1=3,5 MPa)

Estimate the difference in entropy S2-S1

Homework Equations


We don't know the gas. So I can't assume this is an ideal gas and I can't go to thermodynamics tables. I don't know the relevant equation.

The Attempt at a Solution


First, I didn't get why the question identifies state 3. I think we can completely ignore state 3 because the question is entropy difference between state 2 and state 1.

This is clearly a compression process, (volume decreases, pressure increases) but temperature stays still. But when a gas is compressed, its pressure and temperature rises. So there must be heat transfer going on.

Entropy change = Sgen + Q/T
But we don't know the entropy generation so we can't go from here.

I assume I need a relation related with volume and pressure that yields entropy but in constant temperature. Is there a relation like that?
 
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Yes. There is a relation for the partial derivative of entropy with respect to pressure at constant temperature in terms of the P-V-T properties of a gas.
Have you studied that yet? Are you learning about the Maxwell equations in your course yet? The derivation starts off with dG=-SdT+VdP.
 
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Yes we are learning maxwell equations in fact. That derivation must be dG=-SdT+VdP+∑μidNi from my notebook.

The relation you have mentioned is probably -(∂S/∂P)T=(∂V/∂T)P and with that equation my solution would include state 3. But how could i go with this equation I'm not clear. Although I'm very doubtful, can I think the above equation as -(ΔS/ΔP)between state 1-2=(ΔV/ΔT)between state 2-3? Otherwise I don't know what to do.
 
Albertov123 said:
Yes we are learning maxwell equations in fact. That derivation must be dG=-SdT+VdP+∑μidNi from my notebook.

The relation you have mentioned is probably -(∂S/∂P)T=(∂V/∂T)P and with that equation my solution would include state 3. But how could i go with this equation I'm not clear. Although I'm very doubtful, can I think the above equation as -(ΔS/ΔP)between state 1-2=(ΔV/ΔT)between state 2-3? Otherwise I don't know what to do.
Yes, that's what you do. They said "estimate" the entropy change, so using finite differences is OK.
 
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