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Thermodynamic Potentials

Four quantities called "thermodynamic potentials" are useful in the chemical thermodynamics of reactions and non-cyclic processes. They are internal energy, the enthalpy, the Helmholtz free energy and the Gibbs free energy.

Thermodynamic Potentials - Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics | Physics for IIT JAM, UGC - NET, CSIR NET

The four thermodynamic potentials are related by offsets of the "energy from the environment" term TS and the "expansion work" term PV. A mnemonic diagram suggested by Schroeder can help you keep track of the relationships between the four thermodynamic potentials.

Thermodynamic Potentials - Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics | Physics for IIT JAM, UGC - NET, CSIR NET

Thermodynamic Potentials - Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics | Physics for IIT JAM, UGC - NET, CSIR NET

The document Thermodynamic Potentials - Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics | Physics for IIT JAM, UGC - NET, CSIR NET is a part of the Physics Course Physics for IIT JAM, UGC - NET, CSIR NET.
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FAQs on Thermodynamic Potentials - Thermodynamic and Statistical Physics - Physics for IIT JAM, UGC - NET, CSIR NET

1. What are thermodynamic potentials?
Thermodynamic potentials are mathematical functions that describe the state of a thermodynamic system. They are derived from fundamental thermodynamic principles and provide information about the system's energy, entropy, and other thermodynamic properties.
2. How are thermodynamic potentials related to thermodynamic variables?
Thermodynamic potentials are related to thermodynamic variables through partial derivatives. For example, the internal energy (U) is related to the temperature (T) through the partial derivative dU/dT. Each thermodynamic potential is associated with a specific set of independent variables, and their derivatives provide valuable information about the system's behavior.
3. What is the significance of thermodynamic potentials in studying equilibrium states?
Thermodynamic potentials play a crucial role in studying equilibrium states of a system. Each potential is minimized at equilibrium with respect to its associated independent variables. For instance, the Gibbs free energy (G) is minimized at constant temperature and pressure, making it a useful tool for predicting whether a reaction or process will occur spontaneously.
4. Can you explain the concept of Legendre transformation in relation to thermodynamic potentials?
A Legendre transformation is a mathematical operation that allows us to express a function in terms of its conjugate variables. In the context of thermodynamic potentials, a Legendre transformation is used to convert one potential into another by replacing one independent variable with its conjugate variable. For example, the enthalpy (H) is obtained from the internal energy (U) by a Legendre transformation with respect to volume.
5. How do thermodynamic potentials help in understanding phase transitions?
Thermodynamic potentials provide insights into phase transitions by analyzing the behavior of the system at different values of the potential. For instance, the Helmholtz free energy (F) is useful in studying transitions between different equilibrium states at constant temperature and volume. By examining the behavior of F during phase transitions, we can understand the conditions under which a substance undergoes a phase change.
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