Third law of thermodynamics

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Figure_Showing_Entropy_at_0_K.png




The Third law of thermodynamics is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics that describes the behavior of entropy as the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero. This law states that the entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is exactly zero. This principle has significant implications for the study of physical chemistry, statistical mechanics, and quantum mechanics.

Statement of the Law[edit | edit source]

The Third law of thermodynamics can be formally stated as:

  • As the temperature of a system approaches absolute zero, the entropy of the system approaches a constant minimum.

In mathematical terms, this can be expressed as: \[ \lim_{T \to 0} S = S_0 \] where \( S \) is the entropy and \( S_0 \) is the constant minimum entropy, which is zero for a perfect crystal.

Implications[edit | edit source]

The Third law of thermodynamics has several important implications:

  • **Absolute Zero**: It implies that it is impossible to reach absolute zero in a finite number of steps because the entropy change would become infinitely small.
  • **Heat Capacity**: The heat capacity of a system approaches zero as the temperature approaches absolute zero.
  • **Chemical Reactions**: The law affects the behavior of chemical reactions at very low temperatures, influencing reaction rates and equilibrium positions.

Applications[edit | edit source]

The Third law of thermodynamics is crucial in various fields:

  • **Cryogenics**: The study of materials at very low temperatures relies on the principles of the Third law.
  • **Quantum Computing**: Understanding entropy at near absolute zero temperatures is essential for the development of quantum computers.
  • **Material Science**: The properties of materials at low temperatures are influenced by their entropy behavior as described by the Third law.

History[edit | edit source]

The Third law of thermodynamics was formulated by Walther Nernst in 1906, and it is sometimes referred to as the Nernst heat theorem. Nernst's work laid the foundation for the development of modern thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD