Consider a rigid, adiabatic, impermeable cylinder (i.e., a closed isolated syste
ID: 2306297 • Letter: C
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. Using 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
a) From the Laws of thermodynamics, If the wall is permeable, Following conditions are necessary for chamber 1 equlibrium with chamber 2. The chamber 1 and chamber 2 temperaure are equal.
Pressure and chemicial potential of the Chambers are equal. Hence fluid flow from Chamber 2 to Chamber 1.
b) The fluid flow continiously from the chamber 1 to chamber 2 until the chemical potential are equal