Thermodynamic Equilibrium

Abstract

The arguments in this paper lead to a new definition of thermodynamic equilibrium that remedies the deficiencies of the current forms. This definition relates thermodynamic equilibrium to its physical causes and accounts for all factors that determine it for all types of equilibrium. Standard definitions of thermodynamic equilibrium are incomplete. They do not take account of all factors that determine such equilibriums, discuss the impediments which may prevent them being reached or relate the properties that define equilibriums to the physical reasons that determine them when impediments are present. The laws of thermodynamics determine the requirements for equilibrium. These laws arise from the physical behaviour of the molecules in molecular systems and are consequences of the conservation of energy, the energies of molecules, statistics, Newton's laws of motion, and the equi-partition of energy. The standard definition of thermodynamic equilibrium correctly defines equilibrium whenever impediments are not factors. The discussion demonstrates how impediments arise, accounts for their role in defining equilibrium and how they relate to the energies of molecules at the conditions of the system. The new definition applies to all types of equilibrium.