Find thermodynamic generalized force

  • #1
damarkk
8
2
Homework Statement
Statistical Mechanics
Relevant Equations
Canonical Ensemble, Thermodynamic generalized forces
Assume you have a microscopic pendulum you can suppose is like quantum harmonic oscillator. If the length of pendulum has variation of ##dl##, calculate the work on the pendulum and thermodynamic generalized force.
Find also the variation of mean number of extitations.


My Attempt

Firstly, I find the partition function: ##Z= \sum_n e^{-\beta\epsilon_n}##, with ##\epsilon_n = \hbar\omega(1/2 + n)## and this is the result:

##Z= \frac{1}{2sinh(\beta\hbar\omega/2)}##.

In this result ##\beta= \frac{1}{kT}##.

Then, I can write Helmholtz Free Energy: ##F = U -TS = -kT\ln{Z}##

And of course ## U = F-T\frac{\partial F}{\partial T}##


I know that ##-\frac{\partial U}{\partial x} = F_x## but if i don't know how thermodynamic variables depends on ##l## how I can compute the thermodynamic generalized force?
 
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  • #2
##\omega## depends on l.
 
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FAQ: Find thermodynamic generalized force

What is a thermodynamic generalized force?

A thermodynamic generalized force is a quantity that describes the influence of a thermodynamic variable on a system's state. It is often associated with the work done by or against a system when it undergoes a change in its thermodynamic state. Common examples include pressure in the context of volume changes and temperature in relation to entropy changes.

How do you derive the generalized forces from thermodynamic potentials?

Generalized forces can be derived from thermodynamic potentials by taking the appropriate partial derivatives. For instance, if you have the Helmholtz free energy (A), the generalized force corresponding to volume (F_V) can be found using the relation F_V = - (∂A/∂V)_T, where V is volume and T is temperature. Similar relations apply for other thermodynamic potentials such as Gibbs free energy, internal energy, and enthalpy.

What is the relationship between generalized forces and equilibrium?

In thermodynamic equilibrium, the generalized forces are balanced, meaning that the system is in a state where no net work is done, and all driving forces are counterbalanced. For example, in a system at constant temperature and pressure, the chemical potential (a generalized force) will be equal for all phases present, ensuring no net transfer of matter occurs between them.

Can generalized forces be used to predict phase transitions?

Yes, generalized forces can be instrumental in predicting phase transitions. By analyzing the behavior of generalized forces, such as chemical potential or pressure, one can determine conditions under which a system will transition from one phase to another. For example, the equality of chemical potentials in different phases at equilibrium indicates a phase transition point.

How do generalized forces relate to non-equilibrium thermodynamics?

In non-equilibrium thermodynamics, generalized forces drive the system away from equilibrium. They are associated with fluxes, such as heat flow or mass transfer, and can be described by relations such as the Onsager reciprocal relations. These relationships connect the generalized forces with the rates of irreversible processes, providing a framework for understanding how systems evolve towards equilibrium.

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