Entropy question: Does a substance at 0K have no entropy?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between temperature and entropy as described by Nernst's theorem, part of the third law of thermodynamics. At absolute zero (0 K), a non-degenerate system has zero entropy, expressed mathematically as S(0) = k_B · log(g) = 0, where g = 1. However, if the ground state of a system is degenerate, the entropy can remain non-zero due to the presence of defects or dislocations in the lattice structure. The theorem asserts that as temperature approaches absolute zero, the change in entropy for reactions in equilibrium approaches zero.

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  • Knowledge of ground state degeneracy in physical systems
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Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, materials science, and statistical mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

Clovis
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Is it 0 K for a substance to have no entropy?Sorry. Just had to get that off my chest.
 
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Nernst's theorem, the 3rd theorem of thermodynamics:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_law_of_thermodynamics
(note the graphic in the section "absolute zero")
and here's the math which directly answers your question
(Google translate isn't perfect, but it works)
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nernst-Theorem
If the basic state of the system is not degenerate, then ##g = 1## and thus
$$
\lim_{T\to 0}S(T,p,V,\ldots)=S(T=0)=S_ {0}= k_B\cdot \log g = 0
$$
Thus, the entropy of a system disappears when the temperature approaches zero.
 
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As the link given above by @fresh_42 says, if there is ground state degeneracy, then the entropy need not be zero when the temperature is at absolute zero.
 
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An imperfect crystal can have a non-zero entropy at 0 K, which I suppose is because there are many ways to distribute the same number of dislocations/defects in the lattice.
 
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The formula provided by fresh42 is correct. However, when the ground state of a system is degenerate, the entropy at 0 K is not zero, it is ##k_B \cdot log (g)## where g is the degeneracy of the ground state.
 
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fresh_42 said:
Nernst's theorem, the 3rd theorem of thermodynamics...
A slight correction.
Nernst’s statement of the third law says:
Near absolute zero, all reactions in a system in internal equilibrium take place with no change in entropy.

That means: $$\lim_{T \rightarrow 0^+} {\Delta S}=0$$
 

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