Really quick question about entropy

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of entropy in thermodynamics, specifically regarding two systems, A and B, that are brought into contact. The original poster questions whether the relationship between the accessible states of the systems holds true in both equilibrium and nonequilibrium conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand the implications of combining the accessible states of two systems and relates this to the second law of thermodynamics. Some participants question the clarity of the original question and suggest that it should be presented more clearly for better understanding.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the relationship between the systems and entropy. There is an indication of confusion regarding the original poster's phrasing, and some guidance is offered on the need for clarity in presenting physics questions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's textbook and lecture notes are unclear, which may contribute to the confusion surrounding the question. The discussion also touches on the zeroth law of thermodynamics as a potential relevant concept.

proton
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My question may be kind of a dumb question, but I tried searching for the explanation online and in my crappy textbook and my lecture notes are kinda unclear.

Consider 2 systems, A and B, that are brought into contact with each other, with accessible states W_A and W_B, respectively. After contact, the combined system then has (W_A)(W_B). Now, is this true for equilibrium and/or nonequilibrium?

My guess is that its at nonequilibrium because the net entropy must remain the same or increase, which leads to the 2nd law of thermodynamics
 
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you actually may try the zeorth law of themodynamics whichstates that if a system a is i themal equilibrium with a system b and system b is in thermal equi. with system c then and c are also in thermal equi.
i may have ans. your ques. wrong as it is unclesr to me
 
present quesstion in clear way

proton said:
My question may be kind of a dumb question, but I tried searching for the explanation online and in my crappy textbook and my lecture notes are kinda unclear.

Consider 2 systems, A and B, that are brought into contact with each other, with accessible states W_A and W_B, respectively. After contact, the combined system then has (W_A)(W_B). Now, is this true for equilibrium and/or nonequilibrium?

My guess is that its at nonequilibrium because the net entropy must remain the same or increase, which leads to the 2nd law of thermodynamics

in above sentences :smile:your confused me atAfter contact, the combined system then has (W_A)(W_B). in physics you must represent question in clear way to proper understading OK:smile::smile::smile:
 
electrous said:
in above sentences :smile:your confused me atAfter contact, the combined system then has (W_A)(W_B). in physics you must represent question in clear way to proper understading OK:smile::smile::smile:

Ok, after systems A and B are brought into contact, the total number of microstates in the combined system consisting of systems A and B, is equal to (W_A)*(W_B)
 

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