Non-equilibrium Thermodynamics
To the Editor:
A common error in chemistry, the use of equilibrium thermodynamics to describe non-equilibrium systems, is made by Slabaugh [ J.CHEM. EDUC., 51, 218 (1974)] in his cover article on corrosion and by Young [J. CHEM. EDUC. 52,203.(1975)] in his "Letter to the Editor" call- ing attention to an error in Slahaugh's calculations The thermodynamic cell is not an equilibrium system in the thermodynamic sense and purely equilibrium thermo- dynamics may not he used to compute its potential.