3
$\begingroup$

In Thermodynamic state - Wikipedia, it defines a thermodynamic state as:

A thermodynamic state of a system is its condition at a specific time, that is fully identified by values of a suitable set of parameters known as state variables.

In the part explaining state functions, it says

In the most commonly cited simple example, an ideal gas, the thermodynamic variables would be any three variables out of the following four: mole number, pressure, temperature, and volume. Thus the thermodynamic state would range over a three-dimensional state space.

I would think this is not a result in thermodynamics. Is this just an assumption made about ideal gas, or can it be derived from considering the model of the ideal gas statistically?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

Your doubt is well founded. A three-dimensional space of thermodynamic states is justified only in the case of specific classes of systems. Generalizing a result valid for the ideal gas to every thermodynamic system is an unduly step. It is possible that somewhere in the text there was an explicit indication that all the statements were intended for the so-called simple systems. I.e. systems which, by definition, exchange work with the outside only through changes of volume. In practice, fluids without electric or magnetic effects.

Even a two-component perfect gas will require one additional variable (related to composition) to specify uniquely the thermodynamic state (notice that the equation of stat for pressure is not enough to discover this point).

In general, the proper choice of the state variables is strictly connected with the physics of the thermodynamic system. One has to discover experimentally what is a set of variables large enough to provide a unique description of the thermodynamic state. A systematic way to find the independent variables is to analyze the independent processes which may change the energy of the system, i.e. the independent contributions to the differential of the internal energy. If we have neglected some process (and its related state variables) we will find that the incomplete set of thermodynamic variables will not specify uniquely the internal energy of the system, with possible apparent violations of the first principle of thermodynamics.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
0
$\begingroup$

The ideal gas law reads $$ p V = n R T $$ where $R$ is a constant or alternatively, $p V = N k_B T$, where $k_B$ is a constant. Thus, if three of the four variables are given, you can use this equation to determine the fourth variable.

How to derive this law statistically, was discussed here.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ My question is, how do you know three variables is enough? There could be some state variable like the dipole moment that can't be derived from the three variables. $\endgroup$
    – Quasi07
    Feb 2, 2020 at 15:20

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.