Understanding Thermodynamics: Demystifying the Chain Rule for Integration

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In summary, the conversation discusses the use of the chain rule in a thermodynamics book, specifically going from dV/dt to (dV/ds)(ds/dt). The chain rule is used in the normal way by substituting u=s(t) and is represented by (V \circ s)'(t)=V'(u)u'=\frac{d V}{d u} \frac{d u}{d t}=\frac{d V}{d s} \frac{d s}{d t}.
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th3plan
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I am reading a thermodynamics book. I am confused on how they say use the chain rule Here. it makes no sense to me how they go from dV/dt to (dV/ds)(ds/dt) . I know how the chain rule works ,just don't know where they got these values
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Well they use the chain rule in the normal way here. If V is a function of s and s is a function of t, V(s(t)), then the chain rule tells you that [itex] (V \circ s)'(t)=V'(s(t))s'(t)[/itex]. Is that more familiar? This is Identical to [tex]\frac{dV}{ds}\frac{ds}{dt}[/tex]. To display this a bit more clearly let's start with the function V(s(t)). We then use the chain rule by substituting u=s(t). So [tex](V \circ s)'(t)=V'(u)u'=\frac{d V}{d u} \frac{d u}{d t}=\frac{d V}{d s} \frac{d s}{d t}[/tex].
 
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FAQ: Understanding Thermodynamics: Demystifying the Chain Rule for Integration

What is thermodynamics?

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationship between heat, work, temperature, and energy in a system.

What is the chain rule for integration?

The chain rule for integration is a method used to find the derivative of a composite function. It states that the derivative of a composite function is the product of the derivative of the outer function and the derivative of the inner function.

Why is the chain rule important in thermodynamics?

The chain rule is important in thermodynamics because it helps us understand the relationship between different variables in a thermodynamic system. By using the chain rule, we can determine how changes in one variable affect the other variables in the system.

How does the chain rule relate to the laws of thermodynamics?

The chain rule is closely related to the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. The chain rule helps us understand how energy is transferred and converted between different variables in a thermodynamic system.

How can I apply the chain rule to solve problems in thermodynamics?

To apply the chain rule to thermodynamics problems, you need to first identify the composite function and its inner and outer functions. Then, you can use the chain rule to find the derivative of the composite function, which can help you solve for unknown variables or analyze the behavior of the system.

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