| George is ambivalent on this point but I can make him ambivalent on any point. I think it’s time for me to retire from the disorder once again. I’ve gone back to feeling that I don’t even know enough to ask a question. Sent from my Dumb Phone You've probably done this. Nick. Yes, entropy (S) is a state variable in thermodynamics. Here's what that means: * Definition of a State Variable: A state variable (or state function) is a property of a thermodynamic system that depends only on the current state of the system, not on the path or process taken to reach that state. If a system is in a particular equilibrium state, its state variables will have specific, unique values. * Why Entropy is a State Variable: * Path Independence: The change in entropy between two states is the same regardless of the reversible or irreversible path taken to go from the initial state to the final state. * Unique Value for a Given State: For any given equilibrium state of a system (defined by other state variables like temperature, pressure, and volume), there is a unique value of entropy. * Mathematical Property: Mathematically, a quantity is a state variable if its differential is an exact differential, meaning that its integral over a closed path is zero. This is true for entropy. * Contrast with Path Variables: In contrast, quantities like heat (Q) and work (W) are not state variables. The amount of heat transferred or work done depends entirely on the specific path followed during a process. In summary, entropy is a fundamental property that characterizes the state of a thermodynamic system and is independent of its history. --- Frank C. Wimberly 140 Calle Ojo Feliz, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505 670-9918 Santa Fe, NM On Sun, Jun 15, 2025, 9:27 AM Nicholas Thompson <[email protected]> wrote:
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