Are Newton's Laws of physics compatible with thermodynamics?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Newton's laws of physics are fundamentally compatible with thermodynamics, as classical thermodynamics can be derived from Newtonian mechanics through statistical mechanics. The discussion highlights the apparent incompatibility stemming from the time-symmetric nature of Newton's laws versus the irreversible processes described by thermodynamics. This paradox is resolved by understanding the statistical nature of thermodynamic predictions, which account for the arrow of time. The Gibbs paradox is mentioned as a relevant topic for further exploration.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newton's laws of motion
  • Familiarity with classical thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics
  • Concept of the Gibbs paradox
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Gibbs paradox in detail
  • Study the principles of statistical mechanics
  • Explore the relationship between time-symmetry and thermodynamic irreversibility
  • Examine case studies demonstrating the application of Newton's laws in thermodynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, researchers in thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the foundational principles of classical mechanics and their implications in thermodynamic processes.

Thytanium
Messages
43
Reaction score
18
Good day friends. I want to know and ask you if Newton's laws are incompatible with thermodynamics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Thytanium said:
Good day friends. I want to know and ask you if Newton's laws are incompatible with thermodynamics.
Classical thermodynamics is built on Newton's laws.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters, vanhees71 and Dale
What a question, haha! I will suggest another question to you that you can look into. How, given the time-symmetric equations of motion in both classical (Newton's physics) and quantum physics, can the arrow of time (thermodynamics) arise?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: dextercioby and vanhees71
Thytanium said:
Good day friends. I want to know and ask you if Newton's laws are incompatible with thermodynamics.
They are compatible. Do you have some reason for thinking they are not?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters and vanhees71
Thytanium said:
I want to know and ask you if Newton's laws are incompatible with thermodynamics.
Thermodynamics can be derived from Newton's laws using the methods of statistical mechanics so they are unarguably compatible. Perhaps you are asking about the apparent incompatibility because Newton's laws are time-symmetric (there are no irreversible processes) whereas thermodynamic laws are not?

The resolution of this apparent paradox lies in the statistical nature of thermodynamic predictions.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71
We could go on and guess what the OP is talking about (Gibbs paradox?) but it would be better for him to tell us.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and Haborix
Ok. Thanks friend PeroK and Haborix and Dale and Nugatory and Vanadium 50. You have clarified all my doubts. My doubts were due to the irreversibility of thermodynamic processes as Nugatory said. I am going to research on the Gibbs paradox friend Vanadium 50. I am very grateful to all of you. Thanks for everything. Good day. :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: weirdoguy, Dale and berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
738
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K