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Physics
Classical Physics
Thermodynamics
Understanding thermodynamic equilibrium
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[QUOTE="phoenix95, post: 6826813, member: 507916"] My thermodynamics is rusty and my current endeavors demand me to wield it, so here we go: I need a good starting point and/or references to study physical systems in thermodynamic equilibrium. Any references which address the fluid mechanics perspective of said systems are welcome too. Let me state the problem at hand: Suppose there are N bodies with temperatures T[SUB]1[/SUB], T[SUB]2[/SUB], T[SUB]3[/SUB]..... T[SUB]n[/SUB] all are isolated from each other. And at t=0 the isolations are removed and the bodies are allowed to exchange information and reach thermal equilibrium. Then what would be the final temperature of the ensemble? What is the time taken to reach that equilibrium? How would you model the energy and entropy exchange between the bodies? While framing this question, I noticed something else: you only assign a temperature to a system, if it is in thermodynamic equilibrium. So at t=0, when the isolations are removed, the system as a whole is not in thermal equilibrium (am I correct?). And until this ensemble reaches that equilibrium, it makes no sense to say 'temperature' (is it correct?). If so, how would you characterize a system, which is not in thermal equilibrium? What would you use, in place of 'temperature' to describe the system? I know the question seems a bit too simplistic and vague. But any answers with a couple of references for further reading will be greatly appreciated. [/QUOTE]
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Physics
Classical Physics
Thermodynamics
Understanding thermodynamic equilibrium
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