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PH5006 PS2

The document contains 6 problems related to thermodynamics. Problem 1 involves deriving expressions for intensive parameters and relating energy and temperature for blackbody radiation. Problem 2 proves a Maxwell relation and shows a condition for pressure only depending on volume. Problem 3 finds the equilibrium temperature and entropy change for two contacting solid bodies. Problem 4 is similar but for two contacting ideal gas vessels. Problem 5 derives the Carnot engine efficiency. Problem 6 derives maximum efficiency for an engine working between a cooling heat source and a heat sink.

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Kahnu Charana Das
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12 views1 page

PH5006 PS2

The document contains 6 problems related to thermodynamics. Problem 1 involves deriving expressions for intensive parameters and relating energy and temperature for blackbody radiation. Problem 2 proves a Maxwell relation and shows a condition for pressure only depending on volume. Problem 3 finds the equilibrium temperature and entropy change for two contacting solid bodies. Problem 4 is similar but for two contacting ideal gas vessels. Problem 5 derives the Carnot engine efficiency. Problem 6 derives maximum efficiency for an engine working between a cooling heat source and a heat sink.

Uploaded by

Kahnu Charana Das
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PH 5006 Statistical Mechanics 2022

Problem Set 2: Thermodynamics

1. The fundamental relation for blackbody radiation is given by


4 1/4 3/4 1/4
S(U, V ) = b U V ,
3

where b is a constant.
(a) Derive explicit expressions for the three intensive parameters in terms
of U and V .
(b) Show that, in terms of the temperature T (derived in (a)), the (mean)
energy U = bV T 4 .
2. (a) Prove the Maxwell relation (∂S/∂V )T,N = (∂p/∂T )V,N . (hint: start
from the differential form of the Helmholtz free energy F , and equate the
mixed partial derivatives).
(b) F Suppose, for a certain thermodynamic system, (∂U/∂V )T,N = 0.
Show that this condition is sufficient to show that the pressure p = T f (V )
where f (V ) is an arbitrary function of V . (hint: use the relation derived
in (a), along with the first law of thermodynamics).
3. Two solid bodies with heat capacities C1 and C2 , initially at temperatures
T1 and T2 respectively, are allowed to come to contact with each other
and reach thermal equilibrium without any change in size. The bodies are
thermally insulated from the rest of the universe. Find the equilibrium
temperature Te and the net change in entropy ∆Stot (T1 , T2 ). (hint: use
the first law of thermodynamics and the relation between entropy change
and heat transfer). Do confirm that ∆Stot > 0 as expected.
4. Similar to the above problem, but now two vessels containing two ideal
gases at the same temperature T with equal numbers of particles (N ), but
at different pressures p1 and p2 . The vessels are then connected. Find the
equilibrium pressure and the net change in entropy ∆Stot (p1 , p2 ).

5. Consider this classic problem in thermodynamics. An “engine” works


between a heat source and sink (both assumed infinitely large), at fixed
temperatures T1 andT2 respectively, by accepting heat from the source,
converting part of it to mechanical work and delivering the rest to the sink.
Assume that, over a cycle, the change in energy and entropy of the engine
is zero. Find the maximum efficiency (fraction of heat absorbed that is
converted to work over a cycle) of such an engine. (Ans: ηmax = 1−T2 /T1 ).
The maximum efficiency is attained by the Carnot engine, as you would
know already.
6. F Consider now a variant of the above problem. An engine works be-
tween a heat source of heat capacity C, initially at temperature Ti and an
infinitely large sink at temperature Ts . In the course of time, the source
cools down to the temperature of the sink and no more work can be ex-
tracted. Find the maximum efficiency of this engine, in terms of Ti and
Ts . [Ans: ηmax = 1 − Ts ln(Ti /Ts )/(Ti − Ts )].
In both problems above, use the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

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