Multiple choice

Among the following energies which one measures the “useful” work obtainable from a closed thermodynamic system ?

  1. Specific surface energy

  2. Helmholtz free energy

  3. Gibbs free energy

  4. Internal energy
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Helmholtz free energy is a thermodynamic potential which measures the “useful” work obtainable from a closed thermodynamic system at a constant temperature and volume. For such a system, the negative of the difference in the Helmholtz energy is equal to the maximum amount of work extractable from a thermodynamic process in which temperature and volume are held constant.

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