Explaining Photon Entropy: G=<E>-TS+pV

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The discussion centers on the derivation of the Gibbs free energy equation for photons, specifically how the terms 'TS' and 'pV' relate to energy. The transition from 'TS' to (4/3)<E> and from 'pV' to (1/3)<E> is explained through the properties of photon gas and integration over the Planck distribution. It is noted that pV = U/3 is often simplified by assuming one-third of photons collide with each wall of a container. Additionally, the entropy equation S = 4/3 U/T is derived from Stefan's law, which relates energy density to temperature. Understanding these relationships clarifies why Gibbs free energy for photons can be argued to equal zero due to their massless nature.
blueyellow
i have been revising but in my notes it says this about photon entropy:

G=<E>-TS+pV
=<E>-(4/3)<E>+(1/3)<E>=0

how did they go from 'TS' to (4/3)<E>
and pV to (1/3)<E>?
 
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Don't know what information you're starting with. Actually it's much easier to argue G = 0 from the beginning! (because photons have zero mass). Otherwise you might get everything by integrating over the Planck distribution. pV = U/3 is often hand-waved (1/3 of the photons hit each wall), and S = 4/3 U/T usually comes from deriving Stefan's law U ~ T4 and then integrating dS = dU/T.
 
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