Thermodynamic Cycle - State Functions and Entropy

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:

    Such is my jealousy and such my hate
    though I would state it otherwise.
    Hilda Doolittle (1886–1961)

    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)