Statistical Mechanics Lecture 2 of 29

April 3, 2012 by Antonello Scardicchio

A. Scardicchio, ICTP

This lesson started with a review of the Carnot cycle and the classical formulation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This formulation was used subsequently to define entropy. The quality of entropy as a state function - independent of path - was emphasized. The difference of entropies between two macrostates of an ideal gas was calculated and it was shown that a constant remains undefined. In a small detour, the statistical interpretation of entropy was discussed. A typical Maxwell relation was derived. Finally, a gap was filled with the discussion of the Third Law of Thermodynamics, which fixes the absolute value for the entropy. It was shown that it implies that the specific heat vanishes as the temperature approaches the absolute zero.

Entropy (Scholarpedia)

Entropy (Scholarpedia)

A simple question. When a room is heated, does its internal energy increase?

Be warned, it's a simple question but it's not a trivial one. Think before answering.

As a complementary tool you can also see some lessons on Thermodynamics given in the Yale univerisity

Yale University Lesson 3 The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Carnot's Engine part 1

Yale University Lesson 3 The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Carnot's Engine part 1

Yale University Lesson 4 The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Carnot's Engine part 2Yale University Lesson 4 The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Carnot's Engine part 2

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