Is "energetics" the same as "thermodynamics"?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the terms "energetics" and "thermodynamics," exploring whether they are synonymous or distinct concepts. Participants examine the usage of "energetics" in various contexts, including its generalization of thermodynamics and its presence in literature.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the reliability of the Wikipedia article on "energetics," suggesting it lacks contributions and is not widely recognized in their languages.
  • Others express skepticism about the term "energetics," with one participant dismissing it as "junk" and noting its absence in textbooks.
  • One participant humorously notes that a Google search for "energetics" yields results related to sportswear, indicating a potential disconnect in its usage.
  • A participant mentions the term "bio-energetics" as used by Nick Lane, suggesting it may differ from thermodynamics due to its lesser focus on heat.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether "energetics" is synonymous with "thermodynamics." Multiple competing views remain regarding the reliability and relevance of the term.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and applications of "energetics," indicating a need for clearer distinctions between the terms.

bunchie
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If so, why do people use the word "energetics"?
 
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Where did you see the term "energetics" used?
 
Doc Al said:
Where did you see the term "energetics" used?
The Wikipedia article on "energetics" states it as a sort of generalization of thermodynamics. However, it is in big need for further contributions and doesn't look very reliable. It doesn't even exist in my language.
 
fresh_42 said:
The Wikipedia article on "energetics" states it as a sort of generalization of thermodynamics.
Yes, I saw that and dismissed it as junk. "Energetics" might be an old-fashioned term. I've not seen it in any textbook I've used.
 
Doc Al said:
Yes, I saw that and dismissed it as junk. "Energetics" might be an old-fashioned term. I've not seen it in any textbook I've used.
It might as well be a very modern term: Googling it gave me a lot of sports wear and related stuff! :smile: But Google is country sensitive ...
 
The word "bio-energetics" is used by Nick Lane in his book, "The Vital Question: Why Is Life The Way It Is?", that Bill Gates is reading or has read.
 
I think it's because "bio-energetics" doesn't involve heat a lot, which "thermodynamics" seems to imply is the most important form of energy?
 

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