Abstract

The potential work is defined as the maximum available work extractable from a composite system. It is important concept to understand the behavior of a composite system because it is a property of the composite system and shows the possible room for the system to change its state by itself. To explain this concept quantitatively, the behavior of a composite system composed of two simple ideal gas systems is analyzed. The potential work of the composite system is estimated, the various reversible processes from a given state to the equilibrium state and the processes on which potential works are constant are shown on the T-P and S-V planes. Such an effort will be necessary to understand and characteristics of composite systems as well as helpful for a deeper comprehension of the energy conversion principles.

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