State Functions and Entropy
If Z is a state function then the balance of Z remains unchanged during a cyclic process:
- .
Entropy is a state function and is defined as
so that
- ,
then it is clear that for any cyclic process,
meaning that the net entropy change over a cycle is 0.
Read more about this topic: Thermodynamic Cycle
Famous quotes containing the words state, functions and/or entropy:
“There is one consolation in being sick; and that is the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Mark the babe
Not long accustomed to this breathing world;
One that hath barely learned to shape a smile,
Though yet irrational of soul, to grasp
With tiny finger—to let fall a tear;
And, as the heavy cloud of sleep dissolves,
To stretch his limbs, bemocking, as might seem,
The outward functions of intelligent man.”
—William Wordsworth (1770–1850)
“Just as the constant increase of entropy is the basic law of the universe, so it is the basic law of life to be ever more highly structured and to struggle against entropy.”
—Václav Havel (b. 1936)