Second law of thermodynamic and probability

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the probabilistic nature of the second law of thermodynamics, emphasizing that the probability of a process occurring is contingent upon the total entropy change. A negative entropy change indicates that the process is highly unlikely, yet theoretically possible. Participants highlight that while entropy relates to the probability of a state, it does not address the dynamics of processes or their time dependence, which are crucial for understanding thermodynamic behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the second law of thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with the concept of entropy
  • Basic knowledge of probability theory
  • Awareness of thermodynamic processes
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of the second law of thermodynamics
  • Investigate the relationship between entropy and probability in statistical mechanics
  • Study the implications of negative entropy changes in thermodynamic processes
  • Learn about time dependence in thermodynamic systems
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, thermodynamics students, and anyone interested in the probabilistic interpretations of thermodynamic laws.

paweld
Messages
253
Reaction score
0
In my opinion the nature of the second law of thermodynamic is probabilistic
and it sholud be formulated in a way which determine probability that given
proces occurs (the probability should depened on the tatal entropy change,
if its negative the proces is very unlikely but in principle possible).
What do you think about it?
 
Science news on Phys.org
Entropy is indeed directly related to the probability of a state.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=2800780
However entropy makes no statements about processes or time dependence. It only considers the distribution of states provided all processes are completely random.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad An experiment against the second law of thermodynamics
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
5K
High School Entropy change for reversible and irreversible processes
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Undergrad The Second Law of Thermodynamics and the Stefan-Boltzmann Law
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Galaxy redshift and thermodynamics
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School Would isolating the Solar System prevent its heat death?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Concept of Thermal Equilibrium in the Context of Canonical Ensemble
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Graduate First law of thermodynamics, mass/energy in the Universe
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Graduate Coping mechanisms for thermodynamics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Graduate Analogies between temperature and time in thermodynamics
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Is there a generalized second law of thermodynamics?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K