4
The Thermodynamics of Real Systems
PRINCIPAL FACTS AND IDEAS
1. The second law of thermodynamics provides the general criterion for
possible processes: The entropy of the universe cannot decrease.
2. This general criterion can be used to derive criteria for spontaneous
processes in a system under various circumstances.
3. The Gibbs and Helmholtz energies provide information about the
maximum amount of work that can be done by a system.
4. General equations for the differentials of various thermodynamic
functions can be written from the first and second laws.
5. Thermodynamic equations for practical applications can be obtained
from these general equations.
6. The methods of calculus can provide useful thermodynamic relations,
such as the Maxwell relations.
7. The chemical potential is an important variable in describing
multicomponent systems.
8. Euler’s theorem and the Gibbs–Duhem relation are useful in making
calculations.
151
The Thermodynamics of Real Systems
PRINCIPAL FACTS AND IDEAS
1. The second law of thermodynamics provides the general criterion for
possible processes: The entropy of the universe cannot decrease.
2. This general criterion can be used to derive criteria for spontaneous
processes in a system under various circumstances.
3. The Gibbs and Helmholtz energies provide information about the
maximum amount of work that can be done by a system.
4. General equations for the differentials of various thermodynamic
functions can be written from the first and second laws.
5. Thermodynamic equations for practical applications can be obtained
from these general equations.
6. The methods of calculus can provide useful thermodynamic relations,
such as the Maxwell relations.
7. The chemical potential is an important variable in describing
multicomponent systems.
8. Euler’s theorem and the Gibbs–Duhem relation are useful in making
calculations.
151