Understanding Thermal Radiation: Entropy, Gibbs Function, and Heat Capacity

AI Thread Summary
Thermal radiation can be analyzed thermodynamically as a gas of photons, leading to key equations for entropy density, Gibbs function, and heat capacities. The entropy density is defined as s = 4p/T, while the Gibbs function is determined to be zero. The heat capacity at constant volume, Cv, is expressed as Cv = 3s per unit volume, and the heat capacity at constant pressure, Cp, is infinite. A participant in the discussion is struggling with deriving Cv and seeks assistance in connecting the equations and calculations to arrive at the correct result. The conversation emphasizes the importance of using the relationships between energy density, pressure, and temperature to solve the problem effectively.
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Homework Statement



Thermal radiation can be treated thermodynamically as a gas of photons with internal energy U = u(T) V and pressure p = u(T)/3 where u(T) is the energy density. Show that

(a) entropy density s is given by s = 4p/T
(b) Gibbs function = 0
(c) heat capacity at constant volume Cv = 3s per unit volume
(d) heat capacity at constant pressure Cp is infinite.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I've done (a), (b), but am having trouble on (c). I guess I am trying to find T(Ds/DT) where capital D is partial.. but I am having touble arriving at 3s..

any hints? Thanks! :)
 
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Can I see your work up to this point for c)? I can't figure out where your going wrong unless I can see your calculation.
 
G01 said:
Can I see your work up to this point for c)? I can't figure out where your going wrong unless I can see your calculation.

Ok sure so for (c) I need Cv

Cv = T (DS/DT)v (i.e. at constant volume)

I guess I am trying to work out Cv/V i.e. heat capacity per unit volume

Now since V is constant and S = sV

I can write Cv = T(Ds/DT)v

I just can't seem to see where to go from here..whatever i try i can't get 3s out... :S
 
any ideas?
 
OK. Here's something to get you started:

I don't know the constants off the top of my head, but let's just call them all A:

u(T)=AT^4

Using this, what is p in terms of only T? Then, what is s in terms of only T?

Take the derivative of this result and plug it into the equation for Cv. You should then be able to do some algebra to show it is equal to 3 times the result you got for s in terms of T.
 
Thanks but how can i get to this using only the results I've been given?
 
a-n-y-o-n-e?
 
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