Consider a rigid, adiabatic, impermeable cylinder (i.e., a closed isolated syste

Question

Consider a rigid, adiabatic, impermeable cylinder (i.e., a closed isolated system) that consists of two chambers (i.e., simple systems) that are separated by a wall that is permeable, immovable, and diathermal. Suppose that initially, the fluids in the two chambers are at the same temperature, T, but have different chemical potentials with µ2 > µ1. Following our earlier arguments considering entropy changes for heat transfer, demonstrate that

a. the fluid will flow from chamber 2 into chamber 1, and

b. this flow will continue until the two fluids are at the same chemical potential.

Explanation / Answer

Chemical potential for a single-component system can be interpreted as the free enthalpy per particle or per mole.

a.) Since mu2 is greater than mu1, there is greater free enthalpy in chamber 2 which means that in order to achieve equilibrium fluid will flow from chamber 2 to chamber 1.

b.) As soon as the equlibrium has been achieved the flow will stop.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse C
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.