In: Physics
A system S is in thermal contact with a large reservoir at fundamental temperature τ . If the system has energy U and multiplicity gs(U ) , show that in thermodynamic equilibrium the system free energy is a minimum. Provide a physical interpretation of the free energy as a balance between its component terms and how it will be influenced by increasing the temperature. [10]
In this question, the concept that for a fixed energy and volume , the universe always tends to increase its entropy (second law of thermodynamics) is used.
It was then proved that for entropy to be maximum, the Helmholtz free energy or the Gibbs free energy has to be minimum depending on the system.
And then the effect of temperature on the Gibbs free energy was discussed considering the various scenarios.