Article
Free Energy in Introductory Physics
The Physics Teacher
(2016)
Abstract
Energy and entropy are two of the most important concepts in science. For all natural processes where a system exchanges energy with its environment, the energy of the system tends to decrease and the entropy of the system tends to increase. Free energy is the special concept that specifies how to balance the opposing tendencies to minimize energy and maximize entropy. There are many pedagogical articles on energy and entropy. Here we present a simple model to illustrate the concept of free energy and the principle of minimum free energy.
Keywords
- Free energy,
- Thermodynamic functions,
- Physics of gases,
- Elastic collisions,
- Statistical mechanics,
- Educational aids,
- Entropy,
- Ideal gas,
- Thermodynamic systems,
- Exchange interactions
Disciplines
Publication Date
January 29, 2016
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1119/1.4940172
Publisher Statement
© 2016 American Association of Physics Teachers.
Citation Information
Jeffrey J. Prentis and Michael Obsniuk. "Free Energy in Introductory Physics" The Physics Teacher Vol. 54 Iss. 2 (2016) p. 91 - 95 ISSN: 0031-921X Available at: http://works.bepress.com/michael-obsniuk/6/