What does the Third Law of Thermodynamics state regarding entropy and absolute zero?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the statement of the Third Law of Thermodynamics, specifically how it relates to entropy and the concept of absolute zero. It seeks to understand what happens to the entropy of a perfect crystal as it approaches absolute zero temperature.
Answer
Entropy approaches zero for a perfect crystal at absolute zero.
The third law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is zero or approaches a constant value. This constant value arises because, at absolute zero, the system can only exist in its ground state, with only one microstate.
Answer for screen readers
The third law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of a perfect crystal at absolute zero is zero or approaches a constant value. This constant value arises because, at absolute zero, the system can only exist in its ground state, with only one microstate.
More Information
The third law provides a reference point for measuring the absolute entropy of a system. In real-world conditions, reaching absolute zero is impossible, but this law helps to understand the behavior of materials at very low temperatures.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that any material reaches zero entropy at absolute zero, but this only applies to perfect crystals without defects.
Sources
- Third law of thermodynamics - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- 13.6: The Third Law of Thermodynamics - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Third Law of Thermodynamics - Entropy at Absolute Zero - BYJU'S - byjus.com
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