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Thermodynamics & Statistical Physics

Maxwell Relations

A set of thermodynamic equations derived from equality of second partial derivatives of thermodynamic potentials (U, H, F, G).

Governing formula (∂T/∂V)_S = -(∂P/∂S)_V, (∂T/∂P)_S = (∂V/∂S)_P, etc.
SI unit Various

In depth

Maxwell relations allow difficult-to-measure unobservable quantities like entropy S to be calculated from easily measurable state variables like P, V, and T.

Examples in the real world

Calculating entropy changes of compressed liquids directly from thermal expansion coefficients and compressibility.