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What is Radiant Energy – Definition

In physics, radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic and gravitational radiation. The term “radiant energy” is most commonly used in the fields of radiometry, solar energy, heating and lighting. Material Properties

Radiant Energy

The Sun
The Sun generates its energy by nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium. In its core, the Sun fuses 620 million metric tons of hydrogen each second.
Source: hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu

In physics, radiant energy is the energy of electromagnetic and gravitational radiation. The term “radiant energy” is most commonly used in the fields of radiometry, solar energy, heating and lighting. As energy, its SI unit is the joule (J). The quantity of radiant energy may be calculated by integrating radiant flux with respect to time. Radiant heat transfer is very important in power industry, because it is one of the most important ways , how thermal energy can be transferred. It does not need a medium, such as air or metal, to take place. Any material that has a temperature above absolute zero gives off some radiant energy. Most energy of this type is in the infra-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum although some of it is in the visible region.

Radiant heat transfer rate from a body (e.g. a black body) to its surroundings is proportional to the fourth power of the absolute temperature and can be expressed by the following equation:

q =  εσT4

where σ is a fundamental physical constant called the Stefan–Boltzmann constant, which is equal to 5.6697×10-8 W/m2K4. This relationship is called the Stefan–Boltzmann law. The emissivity, ε, of the surface of a material is its effectiveness in emitting energy as thermal radiation and varies between 0.0 and 1.0. By definition, a black body in thermal equilibrium has an emissivity of ε = 1.0. It can be seen, radiation heat transfer is important at very high temperatures and in a vacuum.

Two bodies that radiate toward each other have a net heat flux between them. The net flow rate of heat between them is given by:

Q = εσA1-2(T41 −T42)  [J/s]

q =  εσ(T41 −T42) [J/m2s]

The area factor A1-2, is the area viewed by body 2 of body 1, and can become fairly difficult to calculate.

 
References:
Reactor Physics and Thermal Hydraulics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. Todreas Neil E., Kazimi Mujid S. Nuclear Systems Volume I: Thermal Hydraulic Fundamentals, Second Edition. CRC Press; 2 edition, 2012, ISBN: 978-0415802871
  6. Zohuri B., McDaniel P. thermodynamics in Nuclear Power Plant Systems. Springer; 2015, ISBN: 978-3-319-13419-2
  7. Moran Michal J., Shapiro Howard N. Fundamentals of Engineering thermodynamics, Fifth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2006, ISBN: 978-0-470-03037-0
  8. Kleinstreuer C. Modern Fluid Dynamics. Springer, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4020-8670-0.
  9. U.S. Department of Energy, thermodynamics, HEAT TRANSFER, AND FLUID FLOW. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1, 2 and 3. June 1992.

See also:

Energy

We hope, this article, Radiant Energy, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Electrical Energy – Definition

Electrical energy is the energy derived from electric potential energy or kinetic energy. A typical nuclear power plant has an electric-generating capacity of 1000 MWe. Material Properties

Electrical Energy

Electrical energy is the energy derived from electric potential energy or kinetic energy. A typical nuclear power plant has an electric-generating capacity of 1000 MWe. It produces 1 000 000 000 joules of electrical energy per second. The heat source in the nuclear power plant is a nuclear reactor. As is typical in all conventional thermal power stations the heat is used to generate steam which drives a steam turbine connected to a generator which produces electricity. The turbines are heat engines and are subject to the efficiency limitations imposed by the second law of thermodynamics. In modern nuclear power plants the overall thermodynamic efficiency is about one-third (33%), so 3000 MWth of thermal power from the fission reaction is needed to generate 1000 MWe of electrical power.

Since voltage is electric potential energy per unit charge, the Kirchhoff’s voltage law can be seen to be a consequence of conservation of electrical energy. Kirchhoff’s voltage law states:

The algebraic sum of the voltages (drops or rises) encountered in traversing any loop of a circuit in a specified direction must be zero.

The algebraic sum of the voltages (drops or rises) encountered in traversing any loop of a circuit in a specified direction must be zero.

kirchhoffs-voltage-law-equation1

Simply, the voltage changes around any closed loop must sum to zero. The sum of the voltage rises is equal to the sum of the voltage drops in a loop. No matter what path you take through an electric circuit, if you return to your starting point you must measure the same voltage, constraining the net change around the loop to be zero. This rule is equivalent to saying that each point on a mountain has only one elevation above sea level. If you start from any point and return to it after walking around the mountain, the algebraic sum of the changes in elevation that you encounter must be zero.

Energy Units

Energy is generally defined as the potential to do work or produce heat. This definition causes  the SI unit for energy is the same as the unit of work – the joule (J). Joule is a derived unit of energy and it is named in honor of James Prescott Joule and his experiments on the mechanical equivalent of heat. In more fundamental terms, 1 joule is equal to:

1 J = 1 kg.m2/s2

Since energy is a fundamental physical quantity and it is used in various physical and engineering branches, there are many units in physics and engineering. These units are summarized in following points:

 
Joule (unit: J)
Joule (unit: J). Joule  is a derived unit of energy. It is equal to the energy transferred to an object when a force of one newton acts on that object in the direction of its motion through a distance of one metre.
  • 1 joule = 0.239 Calories
  • 1 joule = 9.48 x 10-4 BTU
  • 1 joule = 2.778 x 10-7 kWh

conversion - joule, calorie, kilowatthour - energy units

Examples of Energy of 1 Joule:

One joule in everyday life and in science corresponds to approximately:

  • The kinetic energy of an object with mass 1 kg moving at √2 ≈ 1.4 m/s.
  • The kinetic energy of a 50 kg object (e.g. human) moving very slowly – approximately 0.72 km/h.
  • The energy required to lift a medium-size apple (100 g) 1 meter vertically from the surface of the Earth.
  • The heat required to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 0.24 °C.
  • The heat required to evaporate of 0.00044 g of liquid water at 100°C.
  • The amount of electricity required to light a 1 watt LED for 1 s.
  • Is released by approximately 3.1⋅1010 fissions in a nuclear reactor.
Kilowatt-hour (unit: kWh)
Kilowatt-hour (unit: kWh). Kilowatt-hour is a derived unit of energy. It is used to measure energy, especially electrical energy in commercial applications. One kilowatt-hour is equal to one kilowatt of power produced or consumed over a period of one hour (kilowatts multiplied by the time in hours). The kilowatt hour is commonly used by electric utilities as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers. 1kW . h = 1kW . 3600s = 3600kWs = 3600kJ = 3600000J. One kilowatt-hour corresponds to the heat required to evaporate of 1.58 kg of liquid water at 100°C. A radio rated at 100 watts operating for 10 hours continuously uses one kilowatt hour.
  • 1 kWh = 3.6 x 106 J
  • 1 kWh = 8.6 x 105 cal
  • 1 kWh = 3412 BTU

conversion - joule, calorie, kilowatthour - energy units

 
References:
Reactor Physics and Thermal Hydraulics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. Todreas Neil E., Kazimi Mujid S. Nuclear Systems Volume I: Thermal Hydraulic Fundamentals, Second Edition. CRC Press; 2 edition, 2012, ISBN: 978-0415802871
  6. Zohuri B., McDaniel P. thermodynamics in Nuclear Power Plant Systems. Springer; 2015, ISBN: 978-3-319-13419-2
  7. Moran Michal J., Shapiro Howard N. Fundamentals of Engineering thermodynamics, Fifth Edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2006, ISBN: 978-0-470-03037-0
  8. Kleinstreuer C. Modern Fluid Dynamics. Springer, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4020-8670-0.
  9. U.S. Department of Energy, thermodynamics, HEAT TRANSFER, AND FLUID FLOW. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1, 2 and 3. June 1992.

See also:

Energy

We hope, this article, Electrical Energy, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Thermodynamic Potential – Definition

Thermodynamic potentials are scalar quantities used to represent state functions. There are four common thermodynamic potentials in chemistry and physics. Material Properties

Thermodynamic Potentials

thermodynamic potentials - enthalpy
Thermodynamic Potentials; the term Ts represents the energy you can get from the system’s environment by heating; the term pV represents the expansion work.

Thermodynamic potentials are scalar quantities used to represent state functions. Together with the corresponding equations of state, thermodynamic potentials describe the equilibrium behavior of a system as a function of so-called ”natural variables”.

Four common thermodynamic potentials are:

Internal Energy

In thermodynamics,thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/internal-energy-thermal-energy/”> internal energy (also called the thermal energy) is defined as the energy associated with microscopic forms of energy. It is an thermodynamics/extensive-and-intensive-properties/”>extensive quantity, it depends on the size of the system, or on the amount of substance it contains. The SI unit of internal energy is the joule (J). It is the energy contained within the system, excluding the kinetic energy of motion of the system as a whole and the potential energy of the system. Microscopic forms of energy include those due to the rotation, vibration, translation, and interactions among the molecules of a substance. None of these forms of energy can be measured or evaluated directly, but techniques have been developed to evaluate the change in the total sum of all these microscopic forms of energy.

In addition, energy is can be stored in the chemical bonds between the atoms that make up the molecules. This energy storage on the atomic level includes energy associated with electron orbital states, nuclear spin, and binding forces in the nucleus.

Enthalpy

In thermodynamics, the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-enthalpy/”>enthalpy is a measurement of energy in a thermodynamic system. It is the thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system. The enthalpy is defined to be the sum of the internal energy E plus the product of the pressure p and volume V. In many thermodynamic analyses the sum of the internal energy U and the product of pressure p and volume V appears, therefore it is convenient to give the combination a name, enthalpy, and a distinct symbol, H.

H = U + pV

The enthalpy is the preferred expression of system energy changes in many chemical, biological, and physical measurements at constant pressure. It is so useful that it is tabulated in the thermodynamics/steam-tables/”>steam tables along with thermodynamics/thermodynamic-properties/what-is-specific-volume/”>specific volume and thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/internal-energy-thermal-energy/specific-internal-energy/”>specific internal energy. It is due to the fact, it simplifies the description of energy transfer. At constant pressure, the enthalpy change equals the energy transferred from the environment through heating (Q = H2 – H1) or work other than expansion work. For a variable-pressure process, the difference in enthalpy is not quite as obvious.

Helmholtz Free Energy

In thermodynamics, the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/helmholtz-free-energy/”>Helmholtz free energy is a thermodynamic potential that is defined as the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/internal-energy-thermal-energy/”>internal energy of the system minus the product of the temperature times the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-entropy/”>entropy of the system. it measures the “useful” work obtainable from a closed thermodynamic system at a constant volume and pressure.The Helmhotz free energy is defined as:

Helmhotz free energy - equation

The internal energy, U, has an exact physical meaning, it is the sum of all the kinetic and potential energies of all the particles in the system. The second term is the amount of spontaneous energy transfer, TS, where S is the final entropy of the system. For a constant temperature process the Helmholtz free energy gives all the reversible work. When a physicists say “free energy” without indicating Helmholtz or Gibbs, they usually means Helmholtz free energy, on the other hand, when a chemists say “free energy” they almost always means thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/gibbs-free-energy/”>Gibbs free energy.

Gibbs Free Energy

In thermodynamics, the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/gibbs-free-energy/”>Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that is defined as the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-enthalpy/”>enthalpy of the system minus the product of the temperature times the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-entropy/”>entropy of the system. Since the enthalpy is defined to be the sum of the internal energy E plus the product of the pressure p and volume V, the Gibbs free energy is defined as:

gibbs free energy - equation

The change in Gibbs free energy, ΔG, in chemistry, is a very useful parameter. It can be thought of as the maximum amount of work obtainable from a reaction.

 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. Kenneth S. Krane. Introductory Nuclear Physics, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 1987, ISBN: 978-0471805533
  7. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  8. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  9. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Energy

We hope, this article, Thermodynamic Potential, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Helmholtz Free Energy – Definition

In thermodynamics, the Helmholtz free energy is a thermodynamic potential that is defined as the internal energy minus the product of the temperature times the entropy. Material Properties

Helmholtz Free Energy

In thermodynamics, the Helmholtz free energy is a thermodynamic potential that is defined as the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/internal-energy-thermal-energy/”>internal energy of the system minus the product of the temperature times the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-entropy/”>entropy of the system. it measures the “useful” work obtainable from a closed thermodynamic system at a constant volume and pressure.The Helmhotz free energy is defined as:

Helmhotz free energy - equation

The internal energy, U, has an exact physical meaning, it is the sum of all the kinetic and potential energies of all the particles in the system. The second term is the amount of spontaneous energy transfer, TS, where S is the final entropy of the system. For a constant temperature process the Helmholtz free energy gives all the reversible work. When a physicists say “free energy” without indicating Helmholtz or Gibbs, they usually means Helmholtz free energy, on the other hand, when a chemists say “free energy” they almost always means thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/gibbs-free-energy/”>Gibbs free energy.

thermodynamic potentials - enthalpy
Thermodynamic Potentials; the term Ts represents the energy you can get from the system’s environment by heating; the term pV represents the expansion work.
 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Energy

We hope, this article, Helmholtz Free Energy, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Gibbs Free Energy – Definition

In thermodynamics, the Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that is defined as the enthalpy of the system minus the product of the temperature times the entropy of the system. Material Properties

Gibbs Free Energy

In thermodynamics, the Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that is defined as the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-enthalpy/”>enthalpy of the system minus the product of the temperature times the thermodynamics/what-is-energy-physics/what-is-entropy/”>entropy of the system. Since the enthalpy is defined to be the sum of the internal energy E plus the product of the pressure p and volume V, the Gibbs free energy is defined as:

gibbs free energy - equation

The change in Gibbs free energy, ΔG, in chemistry, is a very useful parameter. It can be thought of as the maximum amount of work obtainable from a reaction.

gibbs free energy
Thermodynamic Potentials; the term Ts represents the energy you can get from the system’s environment by heating; the term pV represents the expansion work.
 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Energy

We hope, this article, Gibbs Free Energy, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Entropy at Absolute Zero – Definition

This law states that the entropy of a pure crystalline substance is zero at the absolute zero of temperature, 0 K

Entropy at Absolute Zero

According to third law of thermodynamics:

The entropy of a system approaches a constant value as the temperature approaches absolute zero.

Based on empirical evidence, this law states that the entropy of a pure crystalline substance is zero at the absolute zero of temperature, 0 K and that it is impossible by means of any process, no matter how idealized, to reduce the temperature of a system to absolute zero in a finite number of steps. This allows us to define a zero point for the thermal energy of a body.

Absolute zero is the coldest theoretical temperature, at which the thermal motion of atoms and molecules reaches its minimum.  This is a state at which the enthalpy and entropy of a cooled ideal gas reaches its minimum value, taken as 0. Classically, this would be a state of motionlessness, but quantum uncertainty dictates that the particles still possess a finite zero-point energy. Absolute zero is denoted as 0 K on the Kelvin scale, −273.15 °C on the Celsius scale, and −459.67 °F on the Fahrenheit scale.

 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Entropy

We hope, this article, Entropy at Absolute Zero, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Irreversibility of Natural Processes – Definition

This law indicates the irreversibility of natural processes. Reversible processes are a useful and convenient theoretical fiction, but do not occur in nature. Material Properties

Irreversibility of Natural Processes

According to the second law of thermodynamics:

The entropy of any isolated system never decreases. In a natural thermodynamic process, the sum of the entropies of the interacting thermodynamic systems increases.  

This law indicates the irreversibility of natural processes. Reversible processes are a useful and convenient theoretical fiction, but do not occur in nature. From this law follows that it is impossible to construct a device that operates on a cycle and whose sole effect is the transfer of heat from a cooler body to a hotter body. It follows, perpetual motion machines of the second kind are impossible.

 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Entropy

We hope, this article, Irreversibility of Natural Processes, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Temperature-entropy Diagram – T-s Diagrams – Definition

Temperature-entropy Diagrams – T-s Diagrams. A Temperature-entropy diagram (T-s diagram) is the type of diagram most frequently used to analyze energy transfer system cycles. Material Properties

Temperature-entropy Diagrams – T-s Diagrams

T-s diagram of a thermodynamic cycle
T-s diagram of Rankine Cycle

In general, the phases of a substance and the relationships between its properties are most commonly shown on property diagrams. A large number of different properties have been defined, and there are some dependencies between properties.

A Temperature-entropy diagram (T-s diagram) is the type of diagram most frequently used to analyze energy transfer system cycles. It  is used in thermodynamics to visualize changes to temperature and specific entropy during a thermodynamic process or cycle.

This is because the work done by or on the system and the heat added to or removed from the system can be visualized on the T-s diagram. By the definition of entropy, the heat transferred to or from a system equals the area under the T-s curve of the process.

dQ = TdS

An isentropic process is depicted as a vertical line on a T-s diagram, whereas an isothermal process is a horizontal line. In an idealized state, compression is a pump, compression in a compressor and expansion in a turbine are isentropic processes. Therefore it is very useful in power engineering, because these devices are used in thermodynamic cycles of power plants.

Note that, the isentropic assumptions are only applicable with ideal cycles. Real thermodynamic cycles have inherent energy losses due to inefficiency of compressors and turbines.

 
Specific Entropy of Wet Steam
wet-steam-vapor-liquid-mixture-min

For pure substances like steam the specific entropy is included in thethermodynamics/steam-tables/”> steam tables similar to specific volume, specific internal energy and specific enthalpy.

The specific entropy of saturated liquid water (x=0) and dry steam (x=1) can be picked from steam tables. In case of wet steam, the actual entropy can be calculated with the vapor quality, x, and the specific entropies of saturated liquid water and dry steam:

swet = ss x + (1 – x ) sl              

where

swet = entropy of wet steam (J/kg K)

ss = entropy of “dry” steam (J/kg K)

sl = entropy of saturated liquid water (J/kg K)

 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Entropy

We hope, this article, Temperature-entropy Diagram – T-s Diagrams, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Specific Entropy – Definition

The specific entropy (s) of a substance is its entropy per unit mass. It equals to the total entropy (S) divided by the total mass (m). Material Properties

Specific Entropy

The entropy can be made into an intensive, or specific, variable by dividing by the mass. Engineers use the specific entropy in thermodynamic analysis more than the entropy itself. The specific entropy (s) of a substance is its entropy per unit mass. It equals to the total entropy (S) divided by the total mass (m).

s = S/m

where:

s = specific entropy (J/kg)

S = entropy (J)

m = mass (kg)

T-s diagram of a thermodynamic cycle
T-s diagram of Rankine Cycle

Entropy quantifies the energy of a substance that is no longer available to perform useful work. Because entropy tells so much about the usefulness of an amount of heat transferred in performing work, the thermodynamics/steam-tables/”>steam tables include values of specific entropy (s = S/m) as part of the information tabulated.

In general, specific entropy is a property of a substance, like pressure, temperature, and volume, but it cannot be measured directly. Normally, the entropy of a substance is given with respect to some reference value. For example, the specific entropy of water or steam is given using the reference that the specific entropy of water is zero at 0.01°C and normal atmospheric pressure, where s = 0.00 kJ/kg. The fact that the absolute value of specific entropy is unknown is not a problem, however, because it is the change in specific entropy (∆s) and not the absolute value that is important in practical problems.

Temperature-entropy Diagrams – T-s Diagrams

In general, the phases of a substance and the relationships between its properties are most commonly shown on property diagrams. A large number of different properties have been defined, and there are some dependencies between properties.

A Temperature-entropy diagram (T-s diagram) is the type of diagram most frequently used to analyze energy transfer system cycles. It  is used in thermodynamics to visualize changes to temperature and specific entropy during a thermodynamic process or cycle.

This is because the work done by or on the system and the heat added to or removed from the system can be visualized on the T-s diagram. By the definition of entropy, the heat transferred to or from a system equals the area under the T-s curve of the process.

dQ = TdS

An isentropic process is depicted as a vertical line on a T-s diagram, whereas an isothermal process is a horizontal line. In an idealized state, compression is a pump, compression in a compressor and expansion in a turbine are isentropic processes. Therefore it is very useful in power engineering, because these devices are used in thermodynamic cycles of power plants.

Note that, the isentropic assumptions are only applicable with ideal cycles. Real thermodynamic cycles have inherent energy losses due to inefficiency of compressors and turbines.

 
Specific Entropy of Wet Steam
wet-steam-vapor-liquid-mixture-min

For pure substances like steam the specific entropy is included in thethermodynamics/steam-tables/”> steam tables similar to specific volume, specific internal energy and specific enthalpy.

The specific entropy of saturated liquid water (x=0) and dry steam (x=1) can be picked from steam tables. In case of wet steam, the actual entropy can be calculated with the vapor quality, x, and the specific entropies of saturated liquid water and dry steam:

swet = ss x + (1 – x ) sl              

where

swet = entropy of wet steam (J/kg K)

ss = entropy of “dry” steam (J/kg K)

sl = entropy of saturated liquid water (J/kg K)

 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Entropy

We hope, this article, Specific Entropy, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.

What is Entropy change – Example – Definition

Entropy change- Example. Calculate the change in entropy of 1 kg of ice at 0°C, when melted reversibly to water at 0°C. Since it is an isothermal process, we can use: ∆S = S2 – S1 = Q/T

Entropy change

The SI unit for entropy is J/K. According to Clausius, the entropy was defined via the change in entropy S of a system. The change in entropy S, when an amount of heat Q is added to it by a reversible process at constant temperature, is given by:

Entropy- Equation

Here Q is the energy transferred as heat to or from the system during the process, and T is the temperature of the system in kelvins during the process. If we assume a reversible isothermal process, the total entropy change is given by:

∆S = S2 – S1 = Q/T

In this equation the quotient Q/T is related to the increase in disorder. Higher temperature means greater randomness of motion. At lower temperatures adding heat Q causes a substantial fractional increase in molecular motion and randomness. On the other hand if the substance is already hot, the same quantity of heat Q adds relatively little to the greater molecular motion.

Example: Entropy change in melting ice

Calculate the change in entropy of 1 kg of ice at 0°C, when melted reversibly to water at 0°C.

Since it is an isothermal process, we can use:

∆S = S2 – S1 = Q/T

therefore  the entropy change will be:

∆S = 334 [kJ] / 273.15 [K] = 1.22 [kJ/K]

where 334  kilojoules of heat are required to melt 1 kg of ice (latent heat of fusion = 334 kJ/kg) and this heat is transferred to the system at 0°C (273.15 K).

 
References:
Nuclear and Reactor Physics:
  1. J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, 2nd ed., Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA (1983).
  2. J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed., Prentice-Hall, 2001, ISBN: 0-201-82498-1.
  3. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, ISBN: 0- 471-39127-1.
  4. Glasstone, Sesonske. Nuclear Reactor Engineering: Reactor Systems Engineering, Springer; 4th edition, 1994, ISBN: 978-0412985317
  5. W.S.C. Williams. Nuclear and Particle Physics. Clarendon Press; 1 edition, 1991, ISBN: 978-0198520467
  6. G.R.Keepin. Physics of Nuclear Kinetics. Addison-Wesley Pub. Co; 1st edition, 1965
  7. Robert Reed Burn, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Operation, 1988.
  8. U.S. Department of Energy, Nuclear Physics and Reactor Theory. DOE Fundamentals Handbook, Volume 1 and 2. January 1993.

Advanced Reactor Physics:

  1. K. O. Ott, W. A. Bezella, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Statics, American Nuclear Society, Revised edition (1989), 1989, ISBN: 0-894-48033-2.
  2. K. O. Ott, R. J. Neuhold, Introductory Nuclear Reactor Dynamics, American Nuclear Society, 1985, ISBN: 0-894-48029-4.
  3. D. L. Hetrick, Dynamics of Nuclear Reactors, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48453-2.
  4. E. E. Lewis, W. F. Miller, Computational Methods of Neutron Transport, American Nuclear Society, 1993, ISBN: 0-894-48452-4.

See also:

Entropy

We hope, this article, Entropy change – Example, helps you. If so, give us a like in the sidebar. Main purpose of this website is to help the public to learn some interesting and important information about materials and their properties.