What is the State Postulate and How Does it Relate to Thermodynamic Properties?

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In summary, the textbook "Thermodynamics: An Engineering Approach 6th Edition" defines a state in a simple compressive system as being specified by two independent and intensive properties. In multiphase systems, temperature and pressure are dependent on each other, while in single phase systems they are independent. This means that if pressure is held constant while the temperature increases, the pressure remains constant. However, the book also states that in multiphase systems, temperature and pressure are dependent on each other. The state postulate states that the state of a compressible system can be known if two properties are known. Additionally, state refers to phase. It is possible to determine the phase of a compressive system by using two completely independent properties or
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aiklone1314
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I was refer to the textbook thermodynamics an engineering approach 6th edition, at page 14&15, the definition is that a state is specified by two independent, intensive properties for a simple compressive system.
The book says that temp. & pressure is dependent on each other at multiphase and independent to each other on single phase.

I was wondering if the pressure is held constant , let's say 1atm, and the water is boils until it reaches 100 degree celcius the water starts to change phase to gas. That means the pressure is independent of the temp. right?because when the temp. increasing, the pressure remains constant. But why the book says it is dependent on multiphase?
 
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Is state postulate means we can know the state of a compressible system if we know two properties of it?State in the book means phase right?

I found that whatever if we use two completely independent properties or two dependent properties at multiphase we can also know it's phase.

E.g: two completely independent properties: Temp. & Specific Volume.
If we know the temp. & specific volume of the compressive system, then we can know it's phase/state.

two dependent properties at multiphase : Temp. & Pressure.
If we know the Temp. & Pressure. of the compressive system, we can also know it's phase/state.

Given: Temp:100degree celcius, P:1atm
we know it is gas.
Or at a specific height mountain : 95degree celcius, P:0.95atm
we know it is also a gas.
 

FAQ: What is the State Postulate and How Does it Relate to Thermodynamic Properties?

What is state postulate?

The state postulate is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics that states the state of a system can be completely described by specifying a set of thermodynamic variables, such as pressure, volume, and temperature.

What is the purpose of the state postulate?

The purpose of the state postulate is to simplify the description of a thermodynamic system by reducing the number of variables needed to describe its state. This allows for easier analysis and prediction of the behavior of the system.

How is the state postulate related to the laws of thermodynamics?

The state postulate is closely related to the first and second laws of thermodynamics. It is based on the first law, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but can only be transferred or converted. The state postulate helps to define which variables are necessary to fully describe the state of a system, which is important for understanding how energy is transferred and converted in a system.

Can the state postulate be applied to all thermodynamic systems?

Yes, the state postulate can be applied to all thermodynamic systems, regardless of their complexity or size. It is a fundamental principle that is used to describe the state of a system, and is essential for understanding and predicting the behavior of thermodynamic systems.

Are there any limitations to the state postulate?

While the state postulate is a useful tool for simplifying the description of a system, it does have its limitations. It assumes that a system is in equilibrium, meaning that all of its properties are uniform and unchanging. This is not always the case in real-world systems, so the state postulate may not be applicable in certain situations.

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