It may be expressed in other ways, using different variables ( e . g . using thermodynamic potentials ).
22.
Thermodynamic potentials are at first glance just simple algebraic combinations of the energy terms in the expression for the internal energy.
23.
In order to understand the value of the thermodynamic potentials, it is necessary to view them in a different light.
24.
For the most simple case, a single phase ideal gas, there will be three dimensions, yielding eight thermodynamic potentials.
25.
The quantity \ beta is more fundamental in thermodynamics than the temperature, because it is the thermodynamic potential associated to the energy.
26.
In this case a given set of chemicals at a given entropy and volume will have a single numerical value for this thermodynamic potential.
27.
Other thermodynamic potentials may be used to replace internal energy so long as proper care is taken in recognizing which natural variables correspond to which potential.
28.
Only the entropy " S ", the volume " V " and the four most common thermodynamic potentials will be considered.
29.
An equilibrium state is mathematically ascertained by seeking the extrema of a thermodynamic potential function, whose nature depends on the constraints imposed on the system.
30.
A more convenient expression may be obtained by making a Legendre transformation to another thermodynamic potential the Gibbs Free Energy G = U + PV-TS.
