Favorite thermodynamic law?

[PVnRT]

Poll question: Favorite thermodynamic law?

I dare someone to be more esoteric than this.

[GOPisEvil]

1. Second - it's all about the entropy.

[Az]

2. Entropy rules in closed systems over time

Note. The earth is not a closed system.

[GOPisEvil]

3. Ah, but the universe as a whole?

*stretching the limits of my knowledge of physics - high school was a long time ago*

[Az]

6. Yes and no

In general the universe is a closed system. Thus over time entropy wins. But localized pools can widely vary. Till absolute entropy is reached you will have areas where order arises temporarly.

The no aspect involves quantum mechanics and specifically quantum fluxes. There is evidence to suggest that quantum flux does lead to energy/matter arising from void. In fact this may simply be a quality of void that it is in fact unstable. See string theory for some elaboration of this little knot.

[Westegg]

11. "Arising from the void," okay, but...

...isn't it the case that the most recent theories about the future of the universe suggest that it will continue to expand, "ad infinitum," and that in time, thanks to entropy, it will all decay and decay down to the very atoms, and that in time even those atoms will be gone? Leaving nothing?

You seem to know what you're talking about, and I'm just a curious layman---hence, this question to you.

I had previously accepted (or at least felt spiritually inclined to accept) the notion of an expand/contract universe---an endless repetition of the Big Bang, back and forth, in and out, and who knows what cycle we're on now? This struck me as an elegant explanation of the cosmos, and also helped maintain my treasured notions of time as not linear/time travel as possible, etc.

But it seems now that the prevailing theory is, as I've just said, a long, slow, steady decline. One time only. Etc.

What say you? Can you help?

[Az]

12. Yes the current long term forcast is doom

Even with the influx caused by quantum flux we will not overcome entropy. Eventually the stars will burn out. Galaxies will fly far apart. Matter will become evenly distributed. And the universe will drop to near absolute zero and die.

[GOPisEvil]

15. Well there's a cheery thought.

So I guess I should postpone large purchases, huh?

</smartass>

[NoPasaran]

18. Actually, with a reasonable interest rate doom works to your advantage

He who owes the most when Heat Death occurs, wins

[Rabrrrrrr]

22. Yeah - it's a really good reason to just charge and charge and charge

because ultimately, the creditors are gonna lose. Suckers!!

[Westegg]

19. Doesn't this kinda prove that God does not exist?

[Rabrrrrrr]

5. But, Az, I thought the second law **proved** that evolution is false,

and that therefore God exists?

[Az]

7. Um ... yeah

And god being the most organized thing possible just popped outa nowhere. That solves that problem I guess.

[Rabrrrrrr]

10. Well, something has to answer the question of why is evolution false

And "God" answers that question perfectly.

At least, to some. :-)

[HawkerHurricane]

14. 2nd law does not apply to Earth

As Earth is not a closed system.

[Az]

21. Humor

Of the irony family.

[Rabrrrrrr]

25. Does to! Phred Phelps told me so

and I read it at a creation science website.

[Whitacre D_WI]

13. I miss my Entropy...

She was a GOOD birdie! :(

[NightTrain]

20. "You down with entropy?" "Yeah, you know me!"

"You down with entropy?" "Yeah, you know me!"
"You down with entropy?" "Yeah, you know me!"
"Whose down with entropy?" "Every last homey!"

--M.C. Hawking

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. What about the zeroth law?

You forgot that one.

On edit, I include it here: If two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with a third body, then the two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with each other.

[PVnRT]

8. Eh

I've always thought of that one as common sense, frankly.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

9. Common sense may sometimes be misleading

e.g. Heavier bodies fall faster. This is false, as proven by Galileo in the 1500s.

Everything in Physics has to be backed up by observation. Especially things that seems obvious.

[SOteric]

16. You cannot

win. You cannot break even. And you cannot get out of the game.

I like the 1st; -"you cannot win" still sounds as though it's resplendant in potential alternatives.

[DS1]

17. We have a Winner!!

Doubly so, I may add

[Deja Q]

23. It's in the nature of things for entropy to win...

Nobody's perfect...

Entropy's kid cousin must be named George W Bush...

[Rabrrrrrr]

24. No, Shrub is more like anti-matter

Cruising through life annihilating that which is good simply by touching it.

[Deja Q]

26. LOL!

It's dark humor though... but the anology "anti-matter" is hilarious. And accurate. He says one thing and does the exact opposite.

[Lizz612]

27. My mother knew a little Boy named Entropy

He was three at the time and lived in a commune and didn't wear a stitch of clothes most of the time. Very appropriate name for that age at least.

[Rabrrrrrr]

28. All three year olds should be called Entropy!

Incredible tendancy to bring disorder.

teenagers, too. :evilgrin: