Physical Chemistry Third Edition

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.

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