Entropy and Thermodynamics Concepts

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts from the lecture on entropy and thermodynamics.

Spontaneous Process

A process that occurs without a continuous input of energy from outside the system.

Nonspontaneous Process

A change that occurs only if the surroundings continuously supply energy to the system.

Entropy (S)

A measure of randomness or disorder of a system.

Internal Energy (U)

The total energy of a thermodynamic system.

Carnot Cycle

A thermodynamic cycle that provides a standard of maximum efficiency for heat engines.

Criteria of Spontaneity

1) A spontaneous change is unidirectional; 2) If the system is not in an equilibrium state, a change is likely to occur.

Equilibrium State

A condition in which the system experiences no net change over time, and the forwards and reverse processes occur at equal rates.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

In an isolated system, the total entropy will tend to increase, meaning real processes occur in the direction that increases the entropy of the universe.

Absolute Entropy

The measure of the entropy of a substance at a given standard state, usually referenced as zero at absolute zero temperature.

Microstate

A specific configuration of the locations and energies of the particles in a system.