Approximating Glucose as an Ideal Gas: Can We Calculate Entropy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the approximation of glucose dynamics in water as resembling that of an ideal gas, specifically for the purpose of calculating entropy. Participants confirm that it is appropriate to treat glucose as an ideal gas for entropy calculations under the given conditions. The conversation also highlights a query regarding determining a lower bound for the overall entropy change, indicating a need for clarity on this specific calculation. The focus is on applying thermodynamic principles to a biochemical context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically entropy calculations.
  • Familiarity with the ideal gas law and its applications.
  • Basic knowledge of glucose chemistry and its behavior in aqueous solutions.
  • Experience with approximations in scientific calculations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the ideal gas law and its implications for biochemical substances.
  • Learn how to calculate entropy changes in thermodynamic systems.
  • Research methods for determining lower bounds in entropy calculations.
  • Explore the behavior of solutes like glucose in water and their thermodynamic properties.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemistry students, biochemists, and thermodynamics researchers who are exploring the relationship between solute behavior and thermodynamic principles, particularly in the context of entropy calculations.

Lambda96
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Homework Statement
Estimate the entropy of the glucose molecules (and only those) in
the initial state before the creation of the cell. Hint: You can approximate that their dynamics in water resembles that of an ideal gas.
Relevant Equations
No specific formulas were given
Bildschirmfoto 2022-11-11 um 14.07.42.png


For now it is only about the 1 task

If the task states that:

You can approximate that their dynamics in water resembles that of an ideal gas.
Does it then mean that I can take glucose as the ideal gas and then simply calculate the entropy for the ideal gas?
 
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Lambda96 said:
If the task states that:

You can approximate that their dynamics in water resembles that of an ideal gas.
Does it then mean that I can take glucose as the ideal gas and then simply calculate the entropy for the ideal gas?
Sorry you haven't had any replies. I am mostly unfamiliar with this topic, but the way the question is worded makes me think that you're on the right track. Best of luck.
 
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Thanks Drakkith for getting in touch. I think task 1 to 3 I have now solved, I'm just a little unsure about the task 4, what exactly is meant by "Determine a lower bound for the overall entropy change"

Does anyone maybe have a tip for me, what I have to calculate exactly here?

Thanks
 
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