How Does Current Flow Affect Entropy in a Resistor and the Universe?

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 3K views
Brewer
Messages
203
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 50 ohm resistor carries a current of 250 mA and is maintained at a constant temperature of 303K by thermal contact with a heat sink.

Calculate the entopy change of

i) the resistor, and
ii) the universe,

if the current flows for 30 seconds.


Homework Equations


dS >= 0?


The Attempt at a Solution


I'm not sure how to attempt this question for a physical problem. Up until now I've been restricted to doing questions of this type based upon ideal gases, so I'm not sure how I would apply that to a physical system like this. Any hints anyone?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Right, I've had another look at this.

I've said that dQ=dW and that work = power * time, so dW = Pdt = I*I*R*dt

From here I've substituted this into the equation [tex]dS = \int \frac{I^2R}{T}dt[/tex] with limits 0 and 3.

Following this through I get an answer of 0.031 J/kg. Does this sound about right? Then for the entropy change of the universe it'll be just the negative of this answer?