University Chemistry ›› 2024, Vol. 39 ›› Issue (1): 359-363.doi: 10.3866/PKU.DXHX202307025

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Basic Thermodynamic Equations in the Gravitational Field and Their Applications

Shuying Li, Wendong Sun()   

  • Received:2023-07-10 Accepted:2023-08-04 Published:2023-08-22
  • Contact: Wendong Sun E-mail:sunwd843@nenu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Through the introduction of the molar gravitational potential energy for component B, we derive the fundamental thermodynamic equations for a multi-component system in a gravitational field. The gravitational chemical potential is defined, allowing for the determination of the direction and extent of changes. Concluding, we provide application examples of the criteria based on the gravitational chemical potential: the pressure distribution formula for an ideal gas as a function of altitude, and the sedimentation equilibrium formula for sol particles in a medium.

Key words: Gravitational field, Basic equation of thermodynamics, Gravitational chemical potential, Molar gravitational potential energy