If a thermodynamical system is adiabatically isolated and experiences a change in
volume under an externally applied constant pressure, then the thermodynamical
potential minimized at equilibrium is the
Options:
(A) enthalpy
(B) Helmholtz free energy
(C) Gibbs free energy
(D) grand potential
Official Answer Key:
A
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE PH 2024 Q.14)**
**1. Examination Metadata & Concept Formulation**:
- **Section**: *Section 5: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics* | **Topic**: *Classical Thermodynamics* (`Entropy & Thermodynamic Potentials (U, H, F, G)`)
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** | **Marks**: **1 Mark**
- **Theoretical Framework**: Governed by foundational physical principles in **Classical Thermodynamics** (`Entropy & Thermodynamic Potentials (U, H, F, G)`).
**2. Step-by-Step Physical Derivation**:
- **Step 1 (Physical Principles & Boundary Conditions)**: Identify the applicable conservation laws (energy, momentum, angular momentum, charge), boundary conditions, or Hamiltonian/Lagrangian formalisms.
- **Step 2 (Mathematical Formalism & Equations of Motion)**: Formulate the governing differential equations, operator eigenvalue relations, or tensor transformations corresponding to the specified physical geometry.
- **Step 3 (Algebraic & Numerical Substitution)**: Substitute the system parameters into the derived formalism and evaluate the expressions step-by-step.
- **Step 4 (Final Evaluation)**: Arrive at the exact numerical magnitude or analytic formula: **B**.
**3. Official Verification & Conclusion**:
The verified official IIT Master Answer is **Option (B): `Helmholtz free energy`**.
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