Proving thermodynamic relationship

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on deriving the heat capacity at constant volume, Cv, using thermodynamic principles. A user attempts to prove the relationship Cv = (∂U/∂T)v = T(∂S/∂T)v but encounters difficulties in applying the first law of thermodynamics. The conversation highlights confusion over the application of the product rule in differentiation and emphasizes that the correct approach involves dividing by dT while holding volume constant. Clarifications are sought regarding the derivation of terms and the proper treatment of differentials in thermodynamic equations. The exchange underscores the importance of precise mathematical treatment in thermodynamic derivations.
goggles31
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Cv = (∂U/∂T)v = T(∂S/∂T)v

I can prove this by using the Maxwell relations, but I have trouble deriving it from the first law.

dU = TdS - pdV
(∂U/∂T)v = T(∂S/∂T)v + ∂S(∂T/∂T)v = T(∂S/∂T)v + ∂S

Is there a problem with my derivation?
 
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goggles31 said:
dU = TdS - pdV
(∂U/∂T)v = T(∂S/∂T)v + ∂S(∂T/∂T)v = T(∂S/∂T)v + ∂S
Could you explain how you got the second term?
 
Fightfish said:
Could you explain how you got the second term?

I applied to product rule to Tds hence obtaining two terms.
 
goggles31 said:
I applied to product rule to Tds hence obtaining two terms.
You don't apply the product rule here because you are not actually differentiating per se - you are not finding ##\frac{d}{dT} (dU)##, which doesn't make sense because well, what does it mean to differentiate an infinitesimal differential quantity?

Rather what we are doing is simply "division" - the mathematicians will complain here, but what we are doing can be rigorously justified if we so wish. That is to say, we divide by ##dT## throughout and then impose the condition that ##dV = 0##.
 
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If S=S(T,V), what is dS in terms of dT and dV?
 
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