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A Mnemonic Scheme for Thermodynamics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

J.-C. Zhao
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Abstract

A mnemonic scheme is presented to help recall the equations in classical thermodynamics that connect the four state variables (temperature, pressure, volume, and entropy) to the four thermodynamic potentials (internal energy, Helmholtz free energy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy). Max Born created a square to help recall the thermodynamic equations. The new scheme here separates the Max Born square into two squares, resulting in easier recalling of several sets of equations, including the Maxwell equations, without complicated rules to remember the positive or negative signs.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Bulletin , Volume 34 , Issue 2: Exploiting New Opportunities in Materials Research by Remembering and Applying Old Lessons , February 2009 , pp. 92 - 94
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2009

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