Change in entropy, quasistatic, isothermal expansion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on demonstrating that ΔS=Q/T for the isothermal expansion of a monoatomic ideal gas under quasistatic conditions. The key equations involved include ΔU=Q+W, where ΔU is zero due to isothermal conditions, and the ideal gas law PV=NkT. The user attempts to express heat Q in terms of volume change and pressure, leading to the equation Q=(NkTΔV)/V. The conversation emphasizes the need to express heat in differential form and suggests integrating between initial and final volumes to derive the desired relationship. The overall goal is to clarify the connection between the change in entropy and the heat exchanged during the process.
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Homework Statement


I am to show that ΔS=Q/T for the isothermal expansion of a monoatomic ideal gas, when the expansion is so slow that the gas is always in equilibrium.

Homework Equations


1. law: ΔU=Q+W (We mustn't use dQ and dW - our teacher hates that :( ).
Ideal gas law: PV=NkT
We need the equation: ΔS=Nk*ln(V_final/V_initial)
And that quasistatic expansion work is W=-PΔV

The Attempt at a Solution


-I think I am to start with: ΔU=Q+W⇔Q=ΔU-W, where ΔU=0 since its isothermal.
-I know that it is quasistatic expansion work, so W = -PΔV, so Q = -(-PΔV) = PΔV
I think I want to get something from the ideal gas law in here: P=(NkT)/V, so

Q=(NkTΔV)/V

But then I kind of get stuck there...

Hope someone can help. I thinks it is really easy, but I kind wrap my head around it.
 
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Looking at what you are supposed to show, take Q/T and compare that to what you have for ##\Delta S##.
So it seems like the question is: does ##\frac {\Delta V}{V} = \ln \frac{V_{final}}{V_{initial}}##?
 
Yeah - something like that?
 
What do you know about the function for V and/or ##\Delta##V if you are given an initial and final state?
Also, in the equations you provided for the ideal gas law, you change between R and k, are these different parameters?
 
I don't know anything but what I have written unfortunately. No, sorry - that's my mistake. It should have been k all along.
 
You really had the right idea in your initial post. Nice job. Now, just express the heat in differential form:
dQ=PdV=\frac{NkT}{V}dV
Then integrate between the initial and final volumes.

Chet
 
Great - thanks a lot :)
 
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