Thermodynamics Basics: Questions Answered

Thread starter Urmi Roy
Start date Jul 9, 2010
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Basics Thermodynamics

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Thermodynamic equilibrium necessitates mechanical equilibrium, as demonstrated by the behavior of gases in pressurized tanks. To specify a thermodynamic system, three state variables—pressure, volume, and temperature—are typically sufficient for ideal gases. Boyle's law applies without requiring quasi-static or isothermal conditions, as it relates pressure and volume at constant temperature. Density is considered a thermodynamic quantity because it varies with changes in pressure and temperature, affecting the average kinetic energy of gas molecules. The distinction between Helmholtz and Gibbs equations lies in their application to different types of processes, with Gibbs energy used for pressure-temperature invariant processes and Helmholtz energy for volume-temperature invariant processes.

Sep 11, 2010

Urmi Roy

This time I'm really really really confused...
Here's what it is..please help...

The clausius inequality says that for an irreversible process,(sum of Q/T)<del S...where S is the entropy change of a reversible process acting between the same two points on the T -S diagram...however,the (sum of Q/T)is basically the entropy change of the irreversible process(acting between two specific points on T-S diagram)...so shouldn't that be greater than the S (entropy change in the reversible process acting between the same two pints on the T-S diagram)?

On the other hand,entropy is a point function...so the (sum of Q/T) for irreversible process which is basically the entropy change for the irreversible process should be equal to the entropy change delS of the reversible process acting between the same two points on the T-S diagram...