How Do You Derive the Energy Equation for a Rubber Band?

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The discussion focuses on deriving the energy equation for a rubber band, starting with the equation of state that relates tension, temperature, and lengths. Participants explore the central equation, suggesting that dU=TdS+F dL might be a starting point. A key point is the need to express the derivative of internal energy with respect to length at constant temperature, which leads to the conclusion that this derivative equals twice the tension. The conversation also highlights the importance of using Maxwell's relations correctly, particularly in relation to the signs of the variables involved. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the relationship between the rubber band’s tension and its energy characteristics.
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Homework Statement



The equation of state for a rubber band with temperature T is \mathcal{F}=aT\left[\frac{L}{L_0}-\left(\frac{L_0}{L}\right)^2\right]

Where \mathcal{F} is the tension, L is the stretched length and L_0 is the unstretched length

a) Write the Central Equation for the rubber band

b) Derive the energy equation for the rubber band \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T

c) Show that U is a function of T only

Homework Equations



dU=dQ+dW

dU=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_LdT +\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_TdL

The Attempt at a Solution



a) For the central equation some variant of dU=TdS+\mathcal{F}dL I pressume?

b) Comparing the two relevant equations \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T=\mathcal{F} ?

c)No real idea how to show this
 
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decerto said:
a) For the central equation some variant of dU=TdS+\mathcal{F}dL I pressume?

OK

b) Comparing the two relevant equations \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T=\mathcal{F} ?

This is incorrect. Note that from dU=TdS+\mathcal{F}dL you can get \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_S=\mathcal{F}. But you need to get an expression for \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T.

One approach is to rearrange your central equation for dS and then use one of your relevant equations to substitute for dU. That should express dS in terms of dT and dL. Then try to see what to do.

c)No real idea how to show this

Once you get the answer for (b) this will be easy.
 
With dS=\frac{1}{T}dU-\frac{F}{T}dL I'm slightly confused on how to incorporate dT dU=\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial T}\right)_LdT +\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_TdL is wrong yes? I think I just made that up.
 
Ok how about this.

dU=TdS +\mathcal{F}dL

\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial L}\right)_T +\mathcal{F}\left(\frac{\partial L}{\partial L}\right)_T

\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T=T\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial L}\right)_T +\mathcal{F}

Then using the maxwell relation \left(\frac{\partial \mathcal{F}}{\partial T}\right)_L=\left(\frac{\partial S}{\partial L}\right)_T

We have

\left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T=T\left(\frac{\partial \mathcal{F}}{\partial T}\right)_L +\mathcal{F}

Using the equation of state we then have \left(\frac{\partial U}{\partial L}\right)_T=2\mathcal{F}
 
OK. This is good. But, check your signs in the Maxwell relation. Note ##\mathcal{F}## for the rubber band corresponds to ##-P## for a usual thermodynamic system.
 
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So its zero which makes the next part trivial, thanks for the help.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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