Energy consideration in processes of transition to equilibrium state

Sami M. Al-Jaber, Abdel-Rahman M. Abu-Labdeh

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DOI: 10.4236/ns.2011.32019                

Abstract

A calculation of the energy loss due to a transition from non-equilibrium to equilibrium state is given. Three different physical systems are considered in this study: connecting an uncharged capacitor to a charged capacitor, emission of a photon from an excited atom, and releasing an object from a compressed spring. In this study, it is shown that a specific fraction of the total energy stored in a non-equilibrium system should be consumed to reach the equilibrium state.

Keywords

Equilibrium State; Non-Equilibrium State; Energy Loss; Transition; Two-Capacitor Problem; Emission of a Photon; Compressed Spring

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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