Maximum entropy and thermal equilibrium

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the calculation of entropy changes and energy conservation when two objects at different temperatures come into contact. The entropy increase of the system is derived as deltaS = m1c1 ln(T/T1) + m2c2 ln(T'/T2), indicating the irreversible nature of the process. Energy conservation is expressed through the equation m1c1(T-T1) = m2c2(T2-T'), highlighting the relationship between temperature changes and heat capacities. The condition for maximum entropy change occurs when T' equals T, signifying thermodynamic equilibrium. The conversation emphasizes the need for a clear understanding of calculus to derive the necessary equations and conditions.
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3) An object of mass m1, specific heat c, and temperature T1 is placed in contact with a second object of mass m2, specific heat c2 and temperature T2>T1. As a result, the temperature of the first object increases to T and the temperature of the second object decreases to T'.

a) Show that the entropy increase of the system is

deltaS = m1c1 ln(T/T1) + m2c2ln (T'/T2)

b) Show that energy conservation requires that

m1c1(T-T1) = m2c2 (T2-T')

c)Show that the entropy change in S, considered as a function of T, is a maximum if T' = T, which is just the condition of thermodynamic equilibrium.
 
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step by step with the variables...
 
This is what I get

a) This is a calculation of an entropy change for an irreversible process. Since entropy is a state function, ΔS is independent of path. All we have to do is imagine a reversible path which will effect the same change and calculate the entropy change for the reversibly path.

ΔS_total = ΔS_cold + ΔS_hot


ΔS_total = m1c1 integral T1 to T (dT/T) + m2c2 integral T2 to T' (dT/T)

ΔS_total = m1c1 ln(T/T1) + m2c2 ln(T'/T2)

b) C = Q/dT

therefore m1(Q/dT)(T-T1)=m2(Q_2/dT)(T2-T')


Due to conservation of energy, these two equations must be equal. Because the Heat capacities differ, T and T' are different as well.
I know the specific heat is somehow supposed to cancel out the temp change but I am not sure what dt = for each side. somebody help :confused:

C) no clue what do do here, maybe integrate from T to T'? :confused:
 
c) you must get the total differential of S considered as a function of T (i.e. an equation of the form dS = f(T)dT +...

And since a max in entropy means dS=0, what condition does this set on f(T)?
 
total differential would be f(t)dt+f(t1)dt+f(t2)dt+f(t')dt?

sorry, I'm very bad at calculus.
 
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