Where is the work done coming from in Helmholtz free energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of work done in the context of Helmholtz free energy, particularly in scenarios where the volume of a system is fixed. Participants explore the implications of fixed volume on work and energy changes, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects of thermodynamics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express confusion regarding how work can be done when the volume is fixed, questioning the relationship between volume changes and work done.
  • Others propose that while P-V work is zero in a fixed volume scenario, other forms of work, such as electrochemical work or stirring work, can still occur without changing the volume.
  • A participant suggests that the Helmholtz free energy can still provide a measure of the system's capacity to do work, even when volume is not changing.
  • There is mention of how work done can be related to changes in internal energy, with some arguing that internal energy can change due to non-P-V work.
  • Examples of work that does not change volume are discussed, including stirring in a closed container and electrochemical processes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that no P-V work is done when the volume is fixed, but there is disagreement on the implications of this for the overall work done by the system. Multiple views on the types of work that can occur without volume change remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various thermodynamic principles and examples, indicating a complex interplay between different types of work and energy changes. The discussion highlights the need for clarity on definitions and assumptions regarding work in thermodynamic systems.

  • #31
tze liu said:
oh i see

what causes the transfer of heat?
the different temperature between the gas and the system boundary created a heat flow?
If the gas is compressed, its temperature rises above that of the bath fluid, or if is expanded the opposite happens. Or if you electrically heat the gas, the temperature will rise above that of the bath fluid. Another example is a chemical reaction in the gas that is exotheic or endothermic. This all results in heat flow. So the heat flow is the effect, not the cause.
 
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  • #32
Chestermiller said:
If the gas is compressed, its temperature rises above that of the bath fluid, or if is expanded the opposite happens. Or if you electrically heat the gas, the temperature will rise above that of the bath fluid. Another example is a chemical reaction in the gas that is exotheic or endothermic. This all results in heat flow. So the heat flow is the effect, not the cause.
thank you

i get confused in this part also

did they do something wrong?
for example Cv=(dQ/dT)v=T(dS/dT)v

however this is true only for reversible process

but the question doesn't state it is reversible
 

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  • #33
tze liu said:
thank you

i get confused in this part also

did they do something wrong?
for example Cv=(dQ/dT)v=T(dS/dT)v

however this is true only for reversible process

but the question doesn't state it is reversible
The equation should really read $$C_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_v=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_v$$ This a physical property relationship for the material that applies to any process. The problem with the example is the Q in the equation, which is path-dependent.
 
  • #34
Chestermiller said:
The equation should really read $$C_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_v=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_v$$ This a physical property relationship for the material that applies to any process. The problem with the example is the Q in the equation, which is path-dependent.
do u think the Q in the textbook here is wrong also?
 
  • #35
Chestermiller said:
The equation should really read $$C_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_v=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_v$$ This a physical property relationship for the material that applies to any process. The problem with the example is the Q in the equation, which is path-dependent.
but the definition of heat capacity is not dU/dt but dQ/dt~~
 
  • #36
tze liu said:
but the definition of heat capacity is not dU/dt but dQ/dt~~
That's the freshman physics definition of heat capacity. When we got to thermodynamics, we learned that, if work is being done, the equation doesn't apply as well. The subscript v on Cv means that we can measure this physical property of the material by doing an experiment at constant volume and determining the amount of heat added. Then the measured Cv can be used with the other equations to do calculations even if the volume isn't constant.
 
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  • #37
Chestermiller said:
That's the freshman physics definition of heat capacity. When we got to thermodynamics, we learned that, if work is being done, the equation doesn't apply as well. The subscript v on Cv means that we can measure this physical property of the material by doing an experiment at constant volume and determining the amount of heat added. Then the measured Cv can be used with the other equations to do calculations even if the volume isn't constant.
Chestermiller said:
The equation should really read $$C_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_v=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial T}\right)_v$$ This a physical property relationship for the material that applies to any process. The problem with the example is the Q in the equation, which is path-dependent.
the example in my textbook implies that dQ is reversible but forget to use dQrev?
 
  • #38
tze liu said:
the example in my textbook implies that dQ is reversible but forget to use dQrev?
Yes. But, now that you are using thermodynamics, it is no longer valid to use the definitions of the heat capacities in terms of Q. You should use them only in terms of U, H, and S. otherwise, you are going to get confused.
 
  • #39
8
upload_2017-8-2_0-11-59.png
did they make mistake again?
 
  • #40
Chestermiller said:
Yes. But, now that you are using thermodynamics, it is no longer valid to use the definitions of the heat capacities in terms of Q. You should use them only in terms of U, H, and S. otherwise, you are going to get confused.
seems in this charter, they use the same logic where ds T=dQ again here
 
  • #42
Chestermiller said:
This is correct. Note the constant p.[/QUOT

constant pressure doesn't imply the heat transfer is reversible?
 
  • #43
Chestermiller said:
This is correct. Note the constant p.
constant pressure doesn't imply the heat transfer is reversible? that means Cp=(dQ/dT)p less or equal to T(dS /dT)p
 
  • #44
tze liu said:
seems in this charter, they use the same logic where ds T=dQ again here
dQ=TdS only for a reversible path. A reversible path using dQrev is the only way we know of for calculating ##\Delta S## between two thermodynamic equilibrium states of a system.
 
  • #45
tze liu said:
constant pressure doesn't imply the heat transfer is reversible? that means Cp=(dQ/dT)p less or equal to T(dS /dT)p
I don't know about that. I NEVER use differentials for an irreversible path.
 
  • #46
Chestermiller said:
This is correct. Note the constant p.
how are u know it is correct.

because it seems they assume it is reversible here?
Cp=(dQrev/dT)p =T(dS /dT)p

however, if the dQ is not dQrev (for example: Cp=(dQ/dT)p)
this relationship seems to be wrong?
 
  • #47
The heat capacity at constant volume, CV, is the ratio δq/dT for a process in a closed constant-volume system with no nonexpansion work - that is, no work at all. The first law shows that under these conditions the internal energy change equals the heat: dU = δq. (Eq. 5.3.9). We can replace δq by dU and write CV as a partial derivative:

CV = (dU/dT )V

From: THERMODYNAMICS AND CHEMISTRY, SECOND EDITION, by Howard DeVoe, Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland (http://www2.chem.umd.edu/thermobook/)
 
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  • #48
tze liu said:
how are u know it is correct.

because it seems they assume it is reversible here?
Cp=(dQrev/dT)p =T(dS /dT)p

however, if the dQ is not dQrev (for example: Cp=(dQ/dT)p)
this relationship seems to be wrong?
Please forget about using Q or Qrev. You need to switch to the following definitions to successfully use heat capacities in thermodynamics: $$C_v=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_v$$
$$C_p=\left(\frac{\partial H}{\partial T}\right)_p$$With these definitions, you can NEVER go wrong.
If you stick with Q, you are going to get confused when you consider processes that are neither at constant volume or constant pressure.
 
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  • #49
Lord Jestocost said:
The heat capacity at constant volume, CV, is the ratio δq/dT for a process in a closed constant-volume system with no nonexpansion work - that is, no work at all. The first law shows that under these conditions the internal energy change equals the heat: dU = δq. (Eq. 5.3.9). We can replace δq by dU and write CV as a partial derivative:

CV = (dU/dT )V

From: THERMODYNAMICS AND CHEMISTRY, SECOND EDITION, by Howard DeVoe, Associate Professor Emeritus, University of Maryland (http://www2.chem.umd.edu/thermobook/)
Closed constant volume has no pv work but seems there may have other type of work done?
 
  • #50
tze liu said:
how are u know it is correct.

because it seems they assume it is reversible here?
Cp=(dQrev/dT)p =T(dS /dT)p

however, if the dQ is not dQrev (for example: Cp=(dQ/dT)p)
this relationship seems to be wrong?
The total heat that flows is not required to be reversible. If the equation were written correctly, it would read:
$$C_p=\frac{Q}{(T_2-T_1)}=\frac{(S_2-S_1)}{\ln{(T_2/T_1)}}$$
where the subscripts 1 and 2 refer to the initial and final thermodynamic equilibrium states of the system, and where the pressure in state 1 is the same as the pressure in state 2, and the externally applied pressure to the system over the entire process path is the same as the in equilibrium states 1 and 2. Note that the heat does not have to be applied reversibly for this equation to be correct. During the process, the system (which is initially in thermodynamic equilibrium state 1), can be placed in contact with a reservoir at temperature ##T_2## and held in contact with this reservoir until the system reaches equilibrium in thermodynamic equilibrium state 2. The equation I wrote applies to this irreversible process equally well as to a process that took the system from state 1 to state 2 reversibly.
 
  • #51
tze liu said:
Closed constant volume has no pv work but seems there may have other type of work done?
This equation is correct, by definition, irrespective of whether work is being done or heat is being added (or removed). It is a physical property relationship, independent of any process.
 
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