Maxwell Relations

Claimed by Ram Vempati (Fall 2024)

The Maxwell Relations are a set of partial derivative relations derived using Clairaut's Theorem that enable the expression of physical quantities such as Gibbs Free Energy and Enthalpy as infinitesimal changes in pressure (P), volume (V), temperature (T), and entropy (S). They are named after James Maxwell and build upon the work done by Ludwig Boltzmann in Statistical Mechanics.

Derivations

Internal Energy

The first law of thermodynamics states that [math]\displaystyle{ {\Delta U = \Delta Q - \Delta W} }[/math] where [math]\displaystyle{ {\Delta Q} }[/math] is the heat added to the system and [math]\displaystyle{ {\Delta W} }[/math] is the work done by the system. We can re-express differentials Q and W with the state variables P,V,T,S using the substitutions [math]\displaystyle{ {dQ_{rev} = TdS} }[/math] (see Clausius Theorem) and [math]\displaystyle{ {dW = PdV} }[/math] (see Pressure-Volume Work). We thus arrive at the thermodynamic definition for internal energy: [math]\displaystyle{ {dU = T dS − P dV} }[/math].

The Maxwell Relation for Internal Energy can be found by applying Clairaut's Theorem to the system with the fundamental assumption that the variables can be expressed as Exact Differentials

Utility of Maxwell Relations

What are the mathematical equations that allow us to model this topic. For example [math]\displaystyle{ {\frac{d\vec{p}}{dt}}_{system} = \vec{F}_{net} }[/math] where p is the momentum of the system and F is the net force from the surroundings.

All Maxwell Relations

How do we visualize or predict using this topic. Consider embedding some vpython code here Teach hands-on with GlowScript

Examples

Be sure to show all steps in your solution and include diagrams whenever possible

Simple

Middling

Difficult

Connectedness

How is this topic connected to something that you are interested in?
How is it connected to your major?
Is there an interesting industrial application?

History

Put this idea in historical context. Give the reader the Who, What, When, Where, and Why.