Purchase Solution

Quasistatic isothermal expansion and free expansion

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

During the quasistatic isothermal expansion of a monoatomic ideal gas, how is the change in entropy related to the heat input Q by the simple formula: ΔS = Q/T?

Why isn't this valid for the free expansion process?

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

A detailed solution is given.

Solution Preview

The entropy is given by:

S = Nk Log[V/N (E/N)^(3/2)] + 5/2 Nk + 3/2NkLog[4 pi m/(3 h^(2))]

If you keep the gas at a constant temperature and let it expand then obviously, N stays the same. The total energy for an ideal mono atomic gas is 3/2 N kT and this also stays the same. So, the entropy increases by N k Log(V_2/V_1), where V_2 is the new volume and V_1 is the old volume.

Because the total internal energy is constant during the expansion, the heat Q that is supplied to the gas must equal the work done by the gas. The work that is performed by the gas follows from the ideal gas law:

P = N k T/V

Integral P dv from V_1 to V_2 is N k T ...

Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Variables in Science Experiments

How well do you understand variables? Test your knowledge of independent (manipulated), dependent (responding), and controlled variables with this 10 question quiz.

The Moon

Test your knowledge of moon phases and movement.

Classical Mechanics

This quiz is designed to test and improve your knowledge on Classical Mechanics.

Intro to the Physics Waves

Some short-answer questions involving the basic vocabulary of string, sound, and water waves.

Introduction to Nanotechnology/Nanomaterials

This quiz is for any area of science. Test yourself to see what knowledge of nanotechnology you have. This content will also make you familiar with basic concepts of nanotechnology.