Quantification of Entropy and the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the quantification of entropy in relation to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, specifically addressing the equation $$\Delta{S}_{universe} = \Delta{S}_{surroundings} + \Delta{S}_{system} > 0$$. The user attempts to derive the relationship between system and surroundings entropy using the equations $$\Delta{S}_{system} = \frac{q_{rev}}{T}$$ and $$\Delta{H}_{system} + \Delta{H}_{surroundings} = 0$$. The conclusion drawn is that the simplification leads to an incorrect statement of $$0 > 0$$, indicating a misunderstanding in the application of these thermodynamic principles, particularly in the context of reversible processes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with entropy and its mathematical representation
  • Knowledge of the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Basic concepts of thermodynamic processes, particularly reversible processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Second Law of Thermodynamics in reversible and irreversible processes
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of entropy changes in thermodynamic systems
  • Explore the relationship between enthalpy and entropy in detail
  • Investigate common misconceptions in thermodynamic equations and their applications
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This discussion is beneficial for chemistry students, educators, and anyone studying thermodynamics who seeks to clarify the principles of entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

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All of my information comes from my current chemistry class, I just want to know where I either may have misread, misinterpreted, or was mistold information.

With the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics we can say $$[1]\space\space \Delta{S}_{universe} = \Delta{S}_{surroundings} + \Delta{S}_{system} > 0$$
Then using $$[2]\space\space \Delta{S}_{system} = \frac{q_{rev}}{T}$$
with (at constant pressure) $$[3]\space\space q = \Delta{H}$$
and (from the 1st Law of Thermodynamics) $$[4]\space\space \Delta{H}_{system} + \Delta{H}_{surroundings} = 0$$
we can get $$[4]\space\space \Delta{S}_{system} = \frac{\Delta{H}_{system}}{T}$$ $$[5]\space\space \Delta{S}_{surroundings} = \frac{\Delta{H}_{surroundings}}{T} = \frac{-\Delta{H}_{system}}{T}$$.
Substituting these back into [1] would give $$[6] \space\space \Delta{S}_{universe} = \frac{-\Delta{H}_{system}}{T} + \frac{\Delta{H}_{system}}{T} > 0$$
which simplifies to $$0 > 0 $$
which is not true.

I'm assuming I did something wrong with this, but cannot figure out what. Where is the issue?
 
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The second law states that ##\Delta S_{universe} \geq 0##. Specifically, for reversible processes (you are assuming reversibility because you've made qrev = q), ΔSuniverse = 0.
 
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