Calculating and Visualizing Thermodynamic Equilibrium: A Tutorial on the Isolated System with an Internal Adiabatic Piston

The problem of the equilibrium state of an isolated composite system with a movable internal adiabatic wall is a recurrent one in the literature. Classical equilibrium thermodynamics is unable to predict the equilibrium state, unless supplemented with information about the process taking place. This...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical education 2007-11, Vol.84 (11), p.1834
Main Author: Ferreira, Joao Paulo M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Chemistry
College Students
Entropy
Equilibrium
Experiments
Mathematical analysis
Organic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Science education
Temperature
Thermodynamic equilibrium
Thermodynamics
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The problem of the equilibrium state of an isolated composite system with a movable internal adiabatic wall is a recurrent one in the literature. Classical equilibrium thermodynamics is unable to predict the equilibrium state, unless supplemented with information about the process taking place. This conclusion is clearly demonstrated in this article. In addition, some simple methods for estimating the constrained equilibrium point are proposed. These methods are accessible to first- or second-year college students; they provide physical insights, and constitute a good practice of basic principles and relations of thermodynamics. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.)
ISSN:0021-9584
1938-1328
DOI:10.1021/ed084p1834