Introduction to Entropy
Before this chapter, we had only used the
2nd Law
to help us analyzethermodynamic cycles
.The overall goal is to find a way to analyze an individual process that will help us evaluate a real process by comparing its performance to the performance of a
reversible process
.In the previous lesson, we used the property
that turns out to be every bit as important and useful as internal energy and enthalpy.
2nd Law
(in the form of the2nd Carnot Principle
) for the first time in the analysis of a single process. In this analysis, we discovered a newproperty or
state variable
that turns out to be every bit as important and useful as internal energy and enthalpy.In this lesson, we give our new property a name:
entropy
. Entropy will enable us to apply the2nd Law
to processes and to quantitatively assess and compare their performance.Once we have defined
entropy
, we will spend the rest of the lesson learning how to find, use and interpretentropy
data in both tabular form (NIST WebBook) and in graphical form (phase diagrams).
Confused and have questions? We've got answers. With Chegg Study, you can get step-by-step solutions to your questions from an expert in the field. If you rather get 1:1 study help, try 30 minutes of free online tutoring with Chegg Tutors.
© B-Cubed, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2014, 2018. All rights reserved.
Roll your mouse over this box to close.
Join Learn Thermodynamics Advantage
- Download Data Tables
- Download Study Aids
- Homework problem hints and answers
- Get Help from Dr. B in the LT Blog
- 120 day membership
Get it ALL for $5 US