Glossary
Helmholtz Energy
The Helmholtz energy is a thermodynamic function of state defined by
A
= U - T·S
where U is the the internal energy (Joules), T is the absolute temperature (Kelvins), and S is the entropy (Joules per Kelvin).
When a system changes its thermodynamic state, the change in Helmholtz energy is given by
dA = dU - T·dS - S·dT
If T and V are constant, then the above given differential equation can be reduced to
dA = dU - T·dS
and the combined law of thermodynamics can be reduced to
dU - T·dS ≤ 0
Therefore dU ≤ 0 (with the equality holding at equilibrium).
In other words, the Helmholtz energy of a system decreases continuously until its minimum value is reached.
The Helmholtz energy is related to the equilibrium constant at constant volume (Kv):
A = -k·T·ln(Kv)
where k is Boltzmann's constant (1.3807 × 10-23 J K-1).
If the Gibbs energy is known, the Helmholtz energy can be derived as follows:
A = G - P·(∂G/∂P)T,n