Is the Helmholez or Gibbs free energy every used outside of reactions?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the applicability of Helmholtz and Gibbs free energy beyond chemical reactions, with a focus on their relevance in phase transitions and nuclear reactions. It is noted that these energies are primarily associated with chemical processes, but their principles can extend to phase transitions where temperature and pressure remain constant. During a phase transition, the Gibbs free energy remains constant, as the heat transferred equals the change in enthalpy. The calculations presented demonstrate that the change in Helmholtz free energy during a phase transition equals zero, indicating no net energy change. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the limited but significant use of these thermodynamic concepts in contexts beyond traditional chemical reactions.
swampwiz
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I'm trying to figure out if the Helmholtz & Gibbs free energy are ever used outside of chemical reactions (I suppose they could be used in nuclear reactions in a plasma as well.) It seems to me that they are not, as I can only recall using them for chemical reactions in my thermodynamics course way back when.
 
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Phase transitions.
 
nasu said:
Phase transitions.

It seems to me that in a phase transition, the Gibbs function is constant. This is so because a phase transition takes place at constant T & P, so the heat transferred Q is equal to the change in H, so

ΔH = Q

ΔS = Q / T = ΔH / T

A = H - T S

ΔA = ΔH - T ΔS = Q - T ( Q / T ) = Q - Q = 0

Is this accurate?
 

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