Clausius Statement: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Thermodynamics 2021

Updated on May 12, 2021 11:13 IST

Introduction

Rudolf Clausius derived Clausius’s statement from the second law of thermodynamics. The Clausius statement states that to produce a device that can transfer heat from a cold body to a body is impossible. It is said so because the heat only can be transferred simultaneously with the decrease in the temperature. It is nearly impossible to make a refrigerator that operates without the work input.

Who was Rudolf Clausius?

The full name of Rudolf is Rudolf Julius Emanuel Clausius. He was a German mathematician and physicist who discovered thermodynamics science and the Clausius statement. He discovered so many concepts related to the working of heat and properties, which is a restatement of the Carnot cycle. He has also published a paper, 'The moving force of heat' in the year 1850. He introduced the concepts of entropy in the year 1865 and the virial theorem in 1970.

The second law of thermodynamics

The second law of thermodynamics states that heat is not limited to determine the work, it might have other effects. Heat does not cause only one effect with respect to work. The second law of thermodynamics is also called the Kelvin statement. The kelvin statement can manifest the biggest problems known to mankind. Despite all the fancy and advanced technological functions, the efficient heat engine has not yet been made.

The first law of thermodynamics determines the probability of building a perfect engine, but the second law of thermodynamics restricts it from doing so, in fact, forbids it.

Applications of Second Law of thermodynamics

  1. Heat always flows from a hotter body to a cooler body. 
  2. The second law of thermodynamics applies to refrigerators and heat pumps which is entirely based on Reversed Carnot cycle. The second law of thermodynamics applies to all the types of heat engine cycles like Otto and diesel.
  3. Whenever we need to cool a thing, we put it in a refrigerator to remove the heat, it doesn't happen automatically. The supply of external work via compressor makes the food colder and the same application is applied on air conditioners and heat pumps.

Clausius Statement for Class 11

The chapter 'Thermodynamics' holds a weightage of 3 marks. It includes 2 questions in total consisting of one objective type question of 1 mark and one short question of 2 marks.

Illustrated Examples

Example 1: State one application of the Second law of thermodynamics.

Answer: The heat always flows from a hotter body to a colder body. The second law of thermodynamics applies to all the types of heat engine cycles like Otto and diesel. 

Example 2: Write the first real-life example of thermodynamics.

Answer: Light bulbs, motor engines are real-life examples of thermodynamics.

Example 3: Write one application of thermodynamics in our daily life.

Answer: Thermodynamics can be observed in the activities like heating and cooling the food, power engines in our motor vehicles, even the structural designs of buildings and vehicles.

FAQs on Clausius Statement

Q: What do you mean by Clausius Statement?

A:  The Clausius statements states that to produce a device that can transfer heat from a cold body to a body is impossible.

Q: What is Thermochemistry?

A:  Thermochemistry is a major part of thermodynamics and is considered an important field of study. Thermochemistry is the relation between heat and chemical reactions.  

Q: What do you mean by the Second law of thermodynamics?

A:  Second law of thermodynamics states that the use of heat is not limited to determine the work, it might have other effects.

Q: Who discovered Clausius's statement?

A:  Rudolf Julius Emanuel Clausius was a German mathematician and physicist who discovered the thermodynamics science and the Clausius statement.

Q: What is W in thermochemistry?

A:  The W is the work-energy that causes an object to move.
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