Page:Scientific Papers of Josiah Willard Gibbs.djvu/124

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88
EQUILIBRIUM OF HETEROGENEOUS SUBSTANCES.

If we differentiate (93) in the most general manner, and compare the result with (86), we obtain

(97)
or (98)

Hence, there is a relation between the quantities , which, if known, will enable us to find in terms of these quantities all the ratios of the quantities . With (93), this will make independent relations between the same variables as at first.

Any equation, therefore, between the quantities

(99)
or (100)
or (101)
or (102)
or (103)

is a fundamental equation, and any such is entirely equivalent to any other.[1] For any homogeneous mass whatever, considered (in general) as variable in composition, in quantity, and in thermodynamic state, and having independently variable components, to which the subscript numerals refer (but not excluding the case in which and the composition of the body is invariable), there is a relation between the quantities enumerated in any one of the above sets, from which, if known, with the aid only of general principles and relations, we may deduce all the relations subsisting for such a mass between the quantities . It will be observed that, besides the equations which define , and , there is one finite equation, (93), which subsists between these quantities independently of the form of the fundamental equation.

  1. The distinction between equations which are, and which are not, fundamental, in the sense in which the word is here used, may be illustrated by comparing an equation
    between
    with one between
    As, by (86)
    the second equation may evidently be derived from the first. But the first equation cannot be derived from the second; for an equation between
    is equivalent to one between
    which is evidently not sufficient to determine the value of in terms of the other variables.