Nonclassical thermodynamic systems

There are two classes of processes involved: Quasi-equilibrium or reversible processes, and non-equilibirium or irreversible processes. Classical thermodynamics is involved chiefly with the first of these.

   

A thermodynamic system is a quantity of matter described by a set of properties. Unlike classical therodynamics, these properties may be non-uniform and may vary throughout the sample.

V (Volume)

This involves geometric definitions and the physical boundaries of a state.

P (Pressure)

This involves a mechanical definition

T(Temperature)

This can be defined using statistical mechanics.

E (internal energy)

This can be defined using statistical mechanics, and changes in it can be computed using quantities of work and heat

S (Entropy)

Changes in entropy can be defined as heat(reversible) / T.

H (Enthalpy)= E + PV

A (Helmoholtz Free energy) = E - TS

G (Gibbs Free energy) = E + PV - TS


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© 2008 Thad Coons
Created 20 Feb 2008, Updated 20 Feb 2008