Second Law of Thermodynamics - Refrigerators

In summary, the problem involves the transfer of 10000 J of energy between a thermal reservoir at 300 K to another thermal reservoir at 500 K. The net change in entropy of the system can be calculated using the equation DeltaS = -(Qc/Tc) + (Qh/Th), which results in a value of 0.0001 J/K. The minimum amount of work required for this transfer is 6666.6 J, and this calculation is valid as long as the system remains in thermal equilibrium. The multiplicity of the system increases by a factor of 1, indicating that there is no change in the number of possible microstates.
  • #1
Cam-Pat
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0

Homework Statement



Suppose 10000 J is transferred between a large thermal reservoir at a temperature of
300 K to another large thermal reservoir at 500 K. What is the net change in entropy
of the system? Write an expression for the factor by which the multiplicity of the
system changes.

For this system, what is the minimum amount of work required to transfer the energy
between the two reservoirs, and under what conditions will this calculation be valid?

Homework Equations



COP = Qc/W = Qc/(Qh-Qc) = Tc/(Th-Tc)

DeltaS = -(Qc/Tc) + (Qh/Th)

W = Qc/W

Qh = Qc + W


The Attempt at a Solution



COP = k = 300/(500-300) = 1.5
Qc = 10000
W= 10000/1.5 = 6666.6
Qh = 10000 + 6666.6 = 16666.6

Therefore

DeltaS = -(10000/300) + (16666.6/500)
= -33.3333 + 33.3332

This doesn't seem right to me but I don't know why.

Also this would give me a multiplicity increase by a factor of e^(0/k) which is 1. So that surely can't be right.

I apologise if this is really simple and I'm making stupid mistakes.
 
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  • #2
This is not a refrigerator problem. This is just a direct transfer of heat from a hot reservoir to a cold reservoir. The OP, for some reason, got the idea that it is a reservoir problem. No.
 

Related to Second Law of Thermodynamics - Refrigerators

1. What is the Second Law of Thermodynamics and how does it apply to refrigerators?

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer or conversion, some energy will inevitably be lost as heat. In the case of refrigerators, this means that in the process of removing heat from the inside of the fridge, some heat will still be released into the surrounding environment.

2. How does a refrigerator work according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

A refrigerator works by using a refrigerant, a substance that can easily change from a liquid to a gas and back again. The compressor in the refrigerator compresses the refrigerant, causing it to become a high-pressure liquid. This liquid then travels through a series of coils and as it expands, it absorbs heat from the inside of the fridge, cooling it down. However, according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, some heat will still be released into the surrounding environment during this process.

3. Can a refrigerator violate the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

No, a refrigerator cannot violate the Second Law of Thermodynamics. While it may seem like a refrigerator is creating cold temperatures, it is actually just removing heat from the inside and releasing it into the surrounding environment. The total amount of energy in the system remains the same, in accordance with the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

4. How does the efficiency of a refrigerator relate to the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

The efficiency of a refrigerator is determined by the amount of energy it takes to remove heat from the inside. According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, some energy will always be lost as heat in this process. Therefore, the efficiency of a refrigerator is limited by the Second Law, and it is impossible to create a refrigerator that is 100% efficient.

5. Are there any real-life applications of the Second Law of Thermodynamics in refrigeration?

Yes, the Second Law of Thermodynamics is applied in many real-life refrigeration systems. In fact, the efficiency of refrigerators and air conditioners is often measured using a coefficient of performance (COP), which takes into account the heat released into the surrounding environment. Additionally, the Second Law of Thermodynamics is also used in the design of more efficient refrigeration systems, such as those that use alternative refrigerants with lower environmental impacts.

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