Reversible Processes: Quasi-Static Adiabatic Expansion from Callen Ch. 4

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the quasi-static adiabatic expansion of a monatomic ideal gas as described in Callen's Chapter 4. The key equation, S = Ns_o + NRln\left[\left(\frac{U}{U_o}\right)^{c} \left(\frac{V}{V_o}\right) \left(\frac{N}{N_o}\right)^{-(c+1)}\right], is used to demonstrate that the change in entropy, dS, equals zero during this process, confirming that the expansion is isentropic and reversible. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding the relationship between internal energy change, dU = -PdV, and its implications for the entropy change. The discussion highlights the need for a clear approach to tackling thermodynamic problems involving derivatives with respect to state variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic concepts, particularly entropy and reversible processes.
  • Familiarity with the properties of monatomic ideal gases.
  • Knowledge of the first law of thermodynamics and its mathematical representation.
  • Ability to perform calculus operations, specifically differentiation with respect to multiple variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the first law of thermodynamics and its application to ideal gases.
  • Learn about the concept of isentropic processes in thermodynamics.
  • Explore the implications of the equation S = Ns_o + NRln\left[\left(\frac{U}{U_o}\right)^{c} \left(\frac{V}{V_o}\right) \left(\frac{N}{N_o}\right)^{-(c+1)}\right] in detail.
  • Practice solving problems involving derivatives of state functions in thermodynamic contexts.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in thermodynamics, particularly those studying or working with ideal gases and reversible processes. It is especially useful for those preparing for advanced examinations or seeking to deepen their understanding of entropy and energy transformations in thermodynamic systems.

mateomy
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I'm working from Callen ch. 4:

Consider a monatomic ideal gas in a cylinder fitted with a piston.The walls of the cylinder and the piston are adiabatic. The system is initially in equilibrium, but the external pressure is slowly decreased. The energy change of the gas in the resultant expansion dV is dU = -PdV . Show, from equation 3.34, that dS = 0, so that the quasi-static adiabatic expansion is isentropic and reversible.

Equation 3.34 is defined as:
<br /> S = Ns_o + NRln\left[\left(\frac{U}{U_o}\right)^{c} \left(\frac{V}{V_o}\right) \left(\frac{N}{N_o}\right)^{-(c+1)}\right]<br />

I'm completely lost as to what this question is asking me. I see the dS = 0 and I think, 'Well they were just talking about thermodynamic configuration space and for dS to be zero..." and then I try to take derivatives. But, I don't know with respect to what, the volume? I'm not looking for answers (not that anybody should be), I just want some guidance on how to tackle this problem.

Thank you in advance.
 
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I think the approach should be something like:
S = S(U,V) => dS = dS/dU dU + dS/dV dV
now use what you know about "monatomic ideal gasses"
and the fact dU =-P dV to show the terms in dS cancel.
 
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I'll give that a shot. Thank you for the pointer.
 

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