On the Occurrence of Gibbs Paradox

Abstract

This work focuses on the conceptual problem of the intermixing of two samples of the same ideal gas under identical conditions (p,V,T) giving rise to the riddle known as Gibbs paradox. Starting from the very general entropy definition of the kinetic theory, for clearly focusing the question, we found that a careful analysis both from the points of view of classical kinetic theory and thermodynamics (considering also the proper constraints) drives once more to the conclusion that they are in mutual agreement and that, actually, the paradox does not subsist. Considering also the approach of Statistical Mechanics, it is easy to conclude that it also is formally coherent with the more straightforward solution provided by kinetic theory.

Keywords:

• Kinetic theory
• thermodynamics
• Gibbs statistical mechanics
• Gibbs paradox