dorsal/arxiv
View SchemaInquiries into the Nature of Free Energy and Entropy in Respect to Biochemical Thermodynamics
| Authors | Clinton D. Stoner |
|---|---|
| Categories | |
| ArXiv ID | physics/0004055 |
| URL | https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0004055 |
| DOI | 10.3390/e2030106 |
| Journal | Entropy 2000, 2, 106-141 [www.mdpi.org/entropy] |
Abstract
Free energy and entropy are examined in detail from the standpoint of classical thermodynamics. The approach is logically based on the fact that thermodynamic work is mediated by thermal energy through the tendency for nonthermal energy to convert spontaneously into thermal energy and for thermal energy to distribute spontaneously and uniformly within the accessible space. The fact that free energy is a Second-Law, expendable energy that makes it possible for thermodynamic work to be done at finite rates is emphasized. Entropy, as originally defined, is pointed out to be the capacity factor for thermal energy that is hidden with respect to temperature; it serves to evaluate the practical quality of thermal energy and to account for changes in the amounts of latent thermal energies in systems maintained at constant temperature. A major objective was to clarify the means by which free energy is transferred and conserved in sequences of biological reactions coupled by freely diffusible intermediates. In achieving this objective it was found necessary to distinguish between a 'characteristic free energy' possessed by all First-Law energies in amounts equivalent to the amounts of the energies themselves and a 'free energy of concentration' that is intrinsically mechanical and relatively elusive in that it can appear to be free of First-Law energy. The findings in this regard serve to clarify the fact that the transfer of chemical potential energy from one repository to another along sequences of biological reactions of the above sort occurs through transfer of the First-Law energy as thermal energy and transfer of the Second-Law energy as free energy of concentration.
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"abstract": "Free energy and entropy are examined in detail from the standpoint of\nclassical thermodynamics. The approach is logically based on the fact that\nthermodynamic work is mediated by thermal energy through the tendency for\nnonthermal energy to convert spontaneously into thermal energy and for thermal\nenergy to distribute spontaneously and uniformly within the accessible space.\nThe fact that free energy is a Second-Law, expendable energy that makes it\npossible for thermodynamic work to be done at finite rates is emphasized.\nEntropy, as originally defined, is pointed out to be the capacity factor for\nthermal energy that is hidden with respect to temperature; it serves to\nevaluate the practical quality of thermal energy and to account for changes in\nthe amounts of latent thermal energies in systems maintained at constant\ntemperature. A major objective was to clarify the means by which free energy is\ntransferred and conserved in sequences of biological reactions coupled by\nfreely diffusible intermediates. In achieving this objective it was found\nnecessary to distinguish between a \u0027characteristic free energy\u0027 possessed by\nall First-Law energies in amounts equivalent to the amounts of the energies\nthemselves and a \u0027free energy of concentration\u0027 that is intrinsically\nmechanical and relatively elusive in that it can appear to be free of First-Law\nenergy. The findings in this regard serve to clarify the fact that the transfer\nof chemical potential energy from one repository to another along sequences of\nbiological reactions of the above sort occurs through transfer of the First-Law\nenergy as thermal energy and transfer of the Second-Law energy as free energy\nof concentration.",
"arxiv_id": "physics/0004055",
"authors": [
"Clinton D. Stoner"
],
"categories": [
"physics.ed-ph",
"cond-mat.mtrl-sci",
"physics.bio-ph",
"physics.chem-ph",
"quant-ph"
],
"doi": "10.3390/e2030106",
"journal_ref": "Entropy 2000, 2, 106-141 [www.mdpi.org/entropy]",
"title": "Inquiries into the Nature of Free Energy and Entropy in Respect to Biochemical Thermodynamics",
"url": "https://arxiv.org/abs/physics/0004055"
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