09 January 2020

On Entropy (-1899)

"If for the entire universe we conceive the same magnitude to be determined, consistently and with due regard to all circumstances, which for a single body I have called entropy, and if at the same time we introduce the other and simpler conception of energy, we may express in the following manner the fundamental laws of the universe which correspond to the two fundamental theorems of the mechanical theory of heat.
1. The energy of the universe is constant.
2. The entropy of the universe tends to a maximum." (Rudolf Clausius, "The Mechanical Theory of Heat - With its Applications to the Steam Engine and to Physical Properties of Bodies", 1867)

"[…] the quantities of heat which must be imparted to, or withdrawn from a changeable body are not the same, when these changes occur in a non-reversible manner, as they are when the same changes occur reversibly. In the second place, with each non-reversible change is associated an uncompensated transformation […] I propose to call the magnitude S the entropy of the body […] I have intentionally formed the word entropy so as to be as similar as possible to the word energy […]" (Rudolf Clausius, "The Mechanical Theory of Heat", 1867)

"The second fundamental theorem [the second law of thermodynamics], in the form which I have given to it, asserts that all transformations occurring in nature may take place in a certain direction, which I have assumed as positive, by themselves, that is, without compensation […] the entire condition of the universe must always continue to change in that first direction, and the universe must consequently approach incessantly a limiting condition. […] For every body two magnitudes have thereby presented themselves - the transformation value of its thermal content [the amount of inputted energy that is converted to 'work'], and its disgregation [separation or disintegration]; the sum of which constitutes its entropy." (Rudolf Clausius, "The Mechanical Theory of Heat", 1867)

"It is very desirable to have a word to express the Availability for work of the heat in a given magazine; a term for that possession, the waste of which is called Dissipation. Unfortunately the excellent word Entropy, which Clausius has introduced in this connexion, is applied by him to the negative of the idea we most naturally wish to express. It would only confuse the student if we were to endeavour to invent another term for our purpose. But the necessity for some such term will be obvious from the beautiful examples which follow. And we take the liberty of using the term Entropy in this altered sense [...] The entropy of the universe tends continually to zero." (Peter G Tait, "Sketch Of Thermodynamics", 1868)

"Since a given system can never of its own accord go over into another equally probable state but into a more probable one, it is likewise impossible to construct a system of bodies that after traversing various states returns periodically to its original state, that is a perpetual motion machine." (Ludwig E Boltzmann, "The Second Law of Thermodynamics", [Address to a Formal meeting of the Imperial Academy of Science], 1886)

"[…] only a part of the whole intrinsic energy of the system is capable of being converted into mechanical work by actions going on within the vessel, and without any communication with external space by the passage either of matter or of heat. This part is sometimes called the Available Energy of the system. Clausius has called the remainder of the energy, which cannot be converted into work, the Entropy of the system. We shall find it more convenient to adopt the suggestion of Professor Tait, and give the name of Entropy to the part which can be converted into mechanical work." (James C Maxwell, "Theory of Heat", 1899)

"The Entropy of a system is the mechanical work it can perform without communication of heat, or alteration of its total volume, all transference of heat being performed by reversible engines. When the pressure and temperature of the system have become uniform the entropy is exhausted. The original energy of the system is equal to the sum of the entropy and the energy remaining in the state of uniform pressure and temperature. The entropy of a system consisting of several component systems is the same in whatever order the entropy of the parts is exhausted. It is therefore equal to the sum of the entropy of each component system, together with the entropy of the system consisting of the component systems, each with its own entropy exhausted." (James C Maxwell, "Theory of Heat", 1899)

"[…] the result of the conduction and radiation of heat from one part of a system to another is to diminish the entropy of the system, or the energy, available as work, which can be obtained from the system. The energy of the system, however, is indestructible, and as it has not been removed from the system, it must remain' in it. Hence the intrinsic energy of the system, when the entropy is exhausted by thermal communication, conduction, and radiation, is equal to its original energy, and is of course greater than in the case in which the entropy is exhausted by means of the reversible engine." (James C Maxwell, "Theory of Heat", 1899)

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