Third Law concept and problem types

[Milena Aragon 2B]

I know what the third law is but i'm not sure what types of problems will we encounter where we need to apply the third law in order to solve the problem. Can anyone explain please?

[Nathan Tran 4K]

We use the third law to identify changes in entropy in systems, surroundings, etc. Applications would be calculating delta s in terms of isothermal, isobaric, and isochoric conditions, calculating S in terms of Boltzmann's equation, and finding relationships in terms of delta s of the system, surroundings, and universe.

[Jonathan Zhao 4H]

Yes, essentially the third law of thermodynamics is saying that at 0 degrees K, there is no vibrational, rotational, or translational entropy. The only possible entropy results from positional and residual. Thus, knowing the Boltzmann equation would come in handy when asked a question about the residual/positional entropy.

[Nick Lewis 4F]

Yes, essentially the third law of thermodynamics is saying that at 0 degrees K, there is no vibrational, rotational, or translational entropy. The only possible entropy results from positional and residual. Thus, knowing the Boltzmann equation would come in handy when asked a question about the residual/positional entropy.

What do you mean when you say residual/ positional entropy? Is this a reference to a direction of the entropy and can it be expressed numerically?

[Ruth Glauber 1C]

I think that you use it to find changes in entropy within systems and in relation to their surroundings.