An Introduction to Thermal Physics · Problem 2.35

The Second Law — Daniel Schroeder

Physics — Statistical Mechanics · sackur-tetrode-negative-entropy

Problem

According to the Sackur-Tetrode equation, the entropy of a monatomic ideal gas can become negative when its temperature (and hence its energy) is sufficiently low. Of course this is absurd, so the Sackur-Tetrode equation must be invalid at very low temperatures. Suppose you start with a sample of helium at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, then lower the temperature holding the density fixed. Pretend that the helium remains a gas and does not liquefy. Below what temperature would the Sackur-Tetrode equation predict that SS is negative? (The behavior of gases at very low temperatures is the main subject of Chapter 7.)

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