Entropy Notes
Definition of Entropy:
Entropy (S) is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system.
In thermodynamics, it quantifies the unavailability of a system’s energy to perform work.
Often interpreted as a measure of energy dispersal within a system.
Key Concepts:
1. Thermodynamic Definition:
o Entropy change for a reversible process: ΔS = ∫(dQ_rev / T), where:
dQ_rev: Heat exchanged reversibly.
T: Absolute temperature.
2. Statistical Definition:
o Entropy (S) relates to the number of microscopic configurations (Ω):
S=kBlnΩS = k_B \ln Ω
k_B: Boltzmann constant.
Ω: Number of microstates consistent with the system's macroscopic state.
3. Units:
o SI Unit: Joules per Kelvin (J/K).
Second Law of Thermodynamics:
The total entropy of an isolated system always increases over time.
For spontaneous processes: ΔS_total > 0.
In reversible processes: ΔS_total = 0.
Entropy and Irreversibility:
Irreversible processes (e.g., heat conduction, friction, mixing) always generate entropy.
Entropy production signifies the direction of time (time’s arrow).
Entropy in Various Processes:
1. Isothermal Process:
o ΔS = Q / T (for reversible heat transfer at constant temperature).
2. Adiabatic Process:
o No heat transfer (ΔQ = 0), so ΔS = 0 for reversible processes.
o Entropy increases in irreversible adiabatic processes.
3. Phase Change:
o ΔS = Q / T during phase transitions (e.g., melting, boiling) at constant
temperature and pressure.
Entropy in the Universe:
The universe as an isolated system experiences increasing entropy, driving natural
processes towards equilibrium.
Heat flows from hot to cold regions, increasing entropy until thermal equilibrium is
reached.
Entropy in Statistical Mechanics:
Microstates represent the possible arrangements of particles in a system.
Higher entropy corresponds to a larger number of accessible microstates.
Systems naturally evolve toward states with maximum entropy.
Practical Applications:
1. Heat Engines and Refrigerators:
o Efficiency is constrained by entropy changes.
o In a Carnot engine, entropy flow in and out of the system balances.
2. Information Theory:
o Shannon entropy measures uncertainty or information content in communication
systems.
3. Environmental Systems:
o Energy quality degrades with increasing entropy (e.g., energy loss as heat).
Entropy and Life:
Living organisms maintain low internal entropy through energy consumption.
Locally decreased entropy (order) is achieved by increasing the entropy of the
surroundings.
Key Equations:
1. ΔS = ∫(dQ_rev / T) (Thermodynamic definition).
2. S=kBlnΩS = k_B \ln Ω (Statistical definition).
3. Entropy change for ideal gases:
o ΔS = nR ln(V2/V1) + nC_v ln(T2/T1).
