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The thermodynamic entropy S, often simply called the entropy in the context of thermodynamics, is a measure of the amount of energy in a physical system that cannot be used to do work. It is also a measure of the disorder present in a system. The SI unit of entropy is JK-1 (Joule per Kelvin), which is the same unit as heat capacity

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Q: What is exactly entropy and what is its main role in explaining the thermodynamic laws?
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What is the relationship between entropy and energy?

In thermodynamics, entropy is a measure of the non-convertible energy (ie. energy not available to do work) inside a closed system. The concept of free energy involves tapping into an inexhaustible source of energy available to do work. Thus, in a system generating free energy, entropy would never increase, and the usable energy could be siphoned off forever. This illustrates, succinctly, why a free energy system can never exist.


Which are the most complete books to learn about thermodynamics?

Engineering Thermodynamics: An Introductory Textbook by Sandeep Agrawal: This comprehensive textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to thermodynamics, covering topics such as energy conversion, entropy, ideal gases, heat transfer, and more. The book features numerous worked examples and problems, and contains a wealth of illustrations to help explain the key concepts. Fundamentals of Engineering Thermodynamics by Michael J. Moran, Howard N. Shapiro, and Daisie D. Boettner: This widely-used textbook provides an in-depth look at thermodynamics and its applications. It includes chapters on the properties of pure substances, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, and more. The book also includes numerous examples and problems with detailed solutions. Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach by Yunus A. Cengel and Michael A. Boles: This popular textbook is written in a style that is easy to understand, and provides an introduction to thermodynamics, along with real-world applications. The book features detailed explanations of topics such as energy, entropy, and the ideal gas law. It also contains a wide range of problems and solutions. Thermodynamics and an Introduction to Thermostatistics by Herbert B. Callen: This book provides a comprehensive and rigorous introduction to thermodynamics. It covers topics such as thermodynamic potentials, the first and second laws of thermodynamics, entropy, and more. The book also contains numerous worked examples and problems with detailed solutions.


What are the two laws that govern the way energy is transferred?

Are you referring to the laws of thermodynamics? If so, the first law is the law of conservation which states that energy is neither created nor lost, it only changes form. The second law is the law of entropy which very simply put states that heat will flow to cool areas and even itself out.


State the 3 laws of thermodynamics?

The four laws of thermodynamics are:Zeroth law of thermodynamics: If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they must be in thermal equilibrium with each other. This law helps define the notion of temperature.First law of thermodynamics: Heat is a form of energy.Because energy is conserved, the internal energy of a system changes as heat flows in or out of it. Equivalently, perpetual motion machines of the first kind are impossible.Second law of thermodynamics: The entropy of any closed system not in thermal equilibrium almost always increases.Closed systems spontaneously evolve towards thermal equilibrium -- the state of maximum entropy of the system. Equivalently, perpetual motion machines of the second kind are impossible.Third law of thermodynamics: The entropy of a system approaches a constant value as the temperature approaches zero.The entropy of a system at absolute zero is typically zero, and in all cases is determined only by the number of different ground states it has.


Who formulated the laws of thermodynamics?

The first to formally state what we now term the 2nd laws was Sadi Carnot in about 1824. Several others contributed to the laws as we now understand them including Rudolf Clausius and William Thomson. Josiah Willard Gibbs (the one that Gibbs free energy is named after) stated them in pretty much the form we have them now in 1873 in his treatise Graphical Methods in the Thermodynamics of Fluids.

Related questions

What are the thermodynamic laws?

Scientific rules and laws concerning thermodynamics.


What does entropy have to do with anything?

Entropy has to do with everything. The Laws of thermodynamics govern everything in the known universe.


What makes Entropy increase in reactants?

Total entropy ALWAYS increases; not just in reactants. The details are a bit complicated, but roughly, the increase in entropy is a result of the laws of statistics.


Can you use thermodynamic in a sentence?

There are three laws of thermodynamics, not inlcluding the understood fourth law. Thermodynamics is the study of how energy is transferred in a system.


What are the conditions for availability in a thermodynamic system?

You can search the relevant meaning of the availability condition for thermodynamic system in the wikipedia since there's so much to learn and laws of thermodynamic equilibrium that explains what and those condition works.


Who is responsible for explaining basic safety laws to boating passengers?

The vessel operator is responsible for explaining basic safety practices and laws to passengers.


Who has the responsibility for interperting and explaining the laws?

All courts, but the Supreme Court of the United States has the ultimate responsibility for interpreting and explaining federal laws and constitutional matters.


What is a book with commentaries explaining Jewish laws?

The Talmud


What kind of energy when it is gone it is gone?

All forms of energy obey the laws of entropy.


What is a physical equation?

one involved in explaining the laws of physics


What is the relationship between entropy and energy?

In thermodynamics, entropy is a measure of the non-convertible energy (ie. energy not available to do work) inside a closed system. The concept of free energy involves tapping into an inexhaustible source of energy available to do work. Thus, in a system generating free energy, entropy would never increase, and the usable energy could be siphoned off forever. This illustrates, succinctly, why a free energy system can never exist.


What has the author John Alonzo Goff written?

John Alonzo Goff has written: 'The application of thermodynamic laws to combustion reactions' -- subject(s): Combustion, Thermodynamics