Sudden change in thermodynamic system.

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SUMMARY

Sudden changes in thermodynamic systems can occur, particularly near phase transition points. While classical thermodynamics does not address dynamics, fluctuations in physical variables, as described by the fluctuation-dissipation relation, indicate that local thermodynamic equilibrium can be achieved rapidly. This phenomenon allows for the definition of thermodynamic quantities, such as temperature, during instances of rapid heat flux. A notable example is the rapid growth of vapor bubbles near the boiling point of water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical thermodynamics principles
  • Familiarity with Boltzmann's transport equation
  • Knowledge of fluctuation-dissipation relation
  • Concept of local thermodynamic equilibrium
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Boltzmann's transport equation in statistical mechanics
  • Study the fluctuation-dissipation relation in detail
  • Explore phase transitions and their characteristics in thermodynamic systems
  • Investigate rapid heat flux phenomena and their effects on thermodynamic quantities
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, thermodynamic researchers, and students studying statistical mechanics and phase transitions in thermodynamic systems.

Aristarchus0
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Do sudden changes occur in thermodynamic systems? If so, when do they occur and why?

More specifically: When a system is nearing thermodynamic equilibrium, will the process always be slow, gradual, and uniform; or do sudden changes — sudden jumps — sometimes occur?
 
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Classical thermodynamics has nothing to say about *dynamics*- time is not part of the formulation.

There is always fluctuations in physical variables (governed by the fluctuation-dissipation relation), and there is a difference between global measures of equilibrium and local measures of equilibrium (local thermodynamic equilibrium)- Boltzmann's transport equation is a statistical mechanical equation, but the idea is that locally, equilibrium can be reached quickly, giving meaning to thermodynamic quantities like "temperature" when there is a sudden and rapid heat flux.
 
The sudden changes take place in thermodynamic systems near phase transition points. For example, bubbles of vapor quickly grow near the boiling point of water.
 

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