Second law of thermo on a macroscopic scale

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relevance of the second law of thermodynamics at the macroscopic scale, emphasizing its foundational role in thermodynamics despite the underlying microscopic mechanisms. Participants highlight that while macroscopic predictions are reliable, the true physics operates at the microscopic level, such as quantum states. The consensus is that the second law remains applicable and significant in macroscopic contexts, as it was originally developed based on macroscopic observations and later validated by microscopic theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, specifically the second law of thermodynamics.
  • Familiarity with macroscopic versus microscopic physics concepts.
  • Knowledge of quantum mechanics and its relation to thermodynamics.
  • Basic grasp of classical mechanics, including Newton's laws.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the second law of thermodynamics in macroscopic systems.
  • Explore the relationship between quantum states and classical thermodynamics.
  • Study the historical development of thermodynamic laws and their experimental validations.
  • Investigate advanced thermodynamic concepts, such as entropy and its microscopic interpretations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those studying thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and classical mechanics, will benefit from this discussion.

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Thermodynamics makes good predictions for macroscopic experiments, but the actual physics is going on in the microscopic particular level.

The second law of thermo is often thrown around, usually by people who couldn't explain F=ma back to you.

My question is the way the second law used on the macroscopic scale ever relevant? I mean can it ever be used in a context where the mechanism for it's action is not on the microscopic particular level?
 
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Your thinking is kind of confusing. Initially, thermodynamics was worked out on macroscopic scales, so it must have been relevant. Later, the microscopic aspects (e.g. quantum states) were worked out and supported the macroscopic results. This is why it's such a successful theory.

Do you actually mean something different?
 

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