Total entropy of the system change?

In summary, the total entropy of the system would not change in both scenarios. This is known as the Gibbs Paradox. Even when the partition is removed, the total entropy should not increase since the particles are identical and cannot be differentiated. This is due to the indistinguishability of the particles.
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If I have two tanks of 1 liter filled with water at the same temperature and I pour it to a 2 liter tank, would the total entropy of the system change? Why?
If I have a container which has a diaphragm at the middle, with the same gas (same temperature, same pressure etc.) from both sides of the diaphragm, at some moment the diaphragm is instantly removed, would the total entropy of the system change? Why?
 
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  • #2
Entropy doesn't change. Look up "Gibbs Paradox".
If the partition is now removed, what should happen to the total entropy? Since the particles are identical, the total entropy should not increase as the partition is removed because the two states cannot be differentiated due to the indistinguishability of the particles.
Ref: http://www.nyu.edu/classes/tuckerman/stat.mech/lectures/lecture_6/node5.html
 
  • #3


The total entropy of a system is a measure of the disorder or randomness of the system. In the first scenario, when the two tanks of water are poured into a larger tank, the total entropy of the system will not change. This is because the water molecules are already in a state of equilibrium and have the same temperature and pressure. The act of pouring the water into a larger container does not change the randomness or disorder of the system.

In the second scenario, when the diaphragm is removed from the container, the total entropy of the system will increase. This is because the gas molecules on either side of the diaphragm are now able to mix and spread out, increasing the randomness and disorder of the system. This increase in entropy is a natural tendency of systems to move towards a state of greater disorder or randomness.

In both scenarios, the change in the total entropy of the system can be explained by the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. This is because in any spontaneous process, energy and matter tend to disperse and become more evenly distributed, leading to an increase in entropy.
 

1. What is total entropy of the system change?

The total entropy of the system change refers to the measure of disorder or randomness in a closed system before and after a change occurs. It is a thermodynamic property that can be used to understand the direction and magnitude of energy transfers.

2. How is total entropy of the system change calculated?

The total entropy of the system change is calculated by taking into account the initial and final entropy values of a system, as well as any energy transfers, such as heat or work, that occur during the change. This can be done using the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time.

3. Why is total entropy of the system change important?

The concept of total entropy of the system change is important because it helps us understand how energy is distributed and transferred in a closed system. It also allows us to predict the direction and magnitude of energy changes, which is crucial in many scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, and biology.

4. How does total entropy of the system change relate to the second law of thermodynamics?

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. This means that in any change that occurs in a closed system, the total entropy will either stay the same or increase. Therefore, the concept of total entropy of the system change is directly related to the second law of thermodynamics.

5. Can total entropy of the system change be decreased?

In a closed system, the total entropy of the system change can only stay the same or increase. This is because energy transfers, such as heat or work, will always result in an increase in entropy. However, in an open system, where energy and matter can be exchanged with the surroundings, the total entropy of the system change can decrease. This is because energy and matter can be organized or structured, leading to a decrease in entropy.

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