Irrev. adiabatic process entropy >0 or =0?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of entropy in the context of irreversible and reversible adiabatic processes, focusing on whether the change in entropy (ΔS) is greater than or equal to zero for irreversible processes in closed systems.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between entropy as a state function and the implications for irreversible processes, questioning the justification for ΔS being zero in such cases. Some participants express confusion regarding the path dependence of entropy and its implications for different types of adiabatic processes.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants offering differing perspectives on the nature of entropy changes in reversible versus irreversible processes. Some guidance has been provided regarding the application of the first law of thermodynamics to analyze the changes in internal energy, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of thermodynamic principles, particularly the definitions and implications of state functions in the context of adiabatic processes. There is an emphasis on the initial and final states of the system, which may not be the same in different types of expansions.

sparkle123
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My textbook says that
Delta S (sys) > 0 for irrev. ad. proc., closed syst
(or see http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/5898/adiabatic-process if you don't believe me)

but since Delta S = 0 for reversible adiabatic process and entropy is a state function,
shouldn't Delta S = 0 for irreversible adiabatic process = 0 too?
 
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I don't understand your justification for ΔS = 0 for an irreversible process.

By virtue of being an irreversible process ΔS > 0.
 
i thought entropy being a state function means it is path dependent so as long as initial and final states are the same, ΔS is the same.
thus ΔS for adiabatic reversible should equal ΔS for adiabatic irreversible (for same initial, and final states) ?
Thanks so much!
 
sparkle123 said:
i thought entropy being a state function means it is path dependent so as long as initial and final states are the same, ΔS is the same.
thus ΔS for adiabatic reversible should equal ΔS for adiabatic irreversible (for same initial, and final states) ?
Entropy is indeed a state function. But are the final states the same for an adiabatic quasi-static (reversible) expansion and an adiabatic free (irreversible) expansion? Hint: apply the first law to determine the change in internal energy in each case.

AM
 

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