There are many different definitions and metaphors for entropy. To name just a f
ID: 3161960 • Letter: T
Question
There are many different definitions and metaphors for entropy. To name just a few examples, entropy can be described in terms of: microstates; irreversibility; disorder; heat transfer (Q/T); energy spreading; information; useful work. Choose a physical system or process (either from this class or not), and use two different definitions/metaphors for entropy to describe whats happening in this system/process. Then explain how these two descriptions are consistent with each other. Note: This is an essay question. Your answer will be judged not solely on its correctness, but for its depth, coherence, and clarity.
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
Microstates and entropy
This is the basis of an alternative (and more fundamental) definition of entropy:
S = k ln , where k is the Boltzmann constant (the gas constant per molecule, 1.38 x 10–23 J/K
is the the number of microstates that correspond to a given macrostate of the system.
Second physical process is Phase changes and entropy.
In terms of energy, when a solid becomes a liquid or a liquid a vapor, kinetic energy from the surroundings is changed to ‘potential energy‘ in the substance (phase change energy). This energy is released back to the surroundings when the surroundings become cooler than the substance's boiling or melting temperature, respectively.
Phase-change energy increases the entropy of a substance or system because it is energy that must be spread out in the system from the surroundings so that the substance can exist as a liquid or vapor at a temperature above its melting or boiling point.
Therefore, the entropy of a solid is less than the entropy of a liquid, which is much less than the entropy of a gas:
Ssolid < Sliquid< Sgas
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.