## If T = 0, can residual entropy still exist?

Boltzmann Equation for Entropy: $S = k_{B} \ln W$

Michael_Johanis_2K
Posts: 26
Joined: Thu Jul 28, 2016 3:00 am
Been upvoted: 1 time

### If T = 0, can residual entropy still exist?

If T = 0, there is no thermal entropy, correct?

If T = 0, is there residual (positional) entropy? I think that if W > 1, then there is residual entropy, even if T = 0, correct?

Chem_Mod
Posts: 17535
Joined: Thu Aug 04, 2011 1:53 pm
Has upvoted: 393 times

### Re: If T = 0, can residual entropy still exist?

Yes, due to the multiple configurations of a molecule that is a non perfect crystal (because the Third Law applies to pure, perfect crystalline substances). Such as for Carbon Monoxide, it is possible for the crystal to be formed as CO:CO:CO rather than CO:OC:CO thus there is an entropy associated with this imperfection at or near zero kelvin, residual entropy.

Return to “Third Law of Thermodynamics (For a Unique Ground State (W=1): S -> 0 as T -> 0) and Calculations Using Boltzmann Equation for Entropy”

### Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest