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PT12
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Is it possible for an open system to reach thermal equilibrium? why/why not?
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Can you provide an example of what you are alluding to?PT12 said:Is it possible for an open system to reach thermal equilibrium? why/why not?
If you have an open system (fixed control volume) operating at steady state, and shaft work is being done to compress the gas, if the system is adiabatic (insulated), then the enthalpy per unit mass of the gas at the exit is higher than at the entrance. So the temperature of the gas increases. If heat is being removed from the control volume as the gas passes through, such that the heat removed is equal to the shaft work, then the inlet and outlet enthalpies per unit mass are the same, and the temperatures are the same. But, I'm not sure you would call this thermal equilibrium.oobgular said:You could define an system in which a flow at T=400K goes in, a flow at T=400K goes out, while inside it is compressed isothermally, couldn't you? It remains in thermal equilibrium while work is done, and it's an open system since there is mass flow in and out.
Thermal equilibrium in open systems refers to a state where the temperature of a system is constant and there is no net transfer of heat between the system and its surroundings.
Thermal equilibrium in open systems is achieved when the rate of heat transfer into the system is equal to the rate of heat transfer out of the system. This can occur through conduction, convection, or radiation.
The factors that affect thermal equilibrium in open systems include the temperature difference between the system and its surroundings, the material properties of the system, and the presence of any insulating materials.
Some real-life examples of thermal equilibrium in open systems include a pot of boiling water on a stove, a cup of coffee cooling down to room temperature, and a refrigerator maintaining a constant temperature inside.
If thermal equilibrium is not achieved in open systems, the system will continue to transfer heat until it reaches a state of equilibrium. This can lead to temperature changes, which can have consequences such as melting, freezing, or changes in material properties.