SLOT second law of thermodynamics

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the Second Law of Thermodynamics (SLOT) and its implications regarding entropy in closed systems. Participants argue that while entropy in a closed system typically increases, the presence of intelligent agents can create localized decreases in entropy, leading to misconceptions about the law's validity. The discussion highlights the importance of energy flow and metabolism in understanding entropy changes, emphasizing that any decrease in entropy in one area results in a greater increase elsewhere. Furthermore, the conversation touches on Maxwell's demon and Landauer's principle, which address the complexities of entropy and information in thermodynamic systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Familiarity with concepts of entropy and energy flow
  • Knowledge of Maxwell's demon and its implications
  • Awareness of Landauer's principle in thermodynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Maxwell's demon on thermodynamic laws
  • Study Landauer's principle and its relevance to information theory
  • Explore the statistical mechanics underlying the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  • Investigate methods for measuring entropy in various systems
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Students of physics, thermodynamics researchers, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics.

  • #31
It seems that the OP didn't read wikipedia's article on entropy and have his own definition for it, if he has any.
I didn't took a Thermodynamics course yet other than the introductory one, but I do know that the change of entropy of a system between a lapse of time can be calculated if for instance you know the temperature of the system at 2 different moments.
So in a sense it might be true (I'm no expert here) that you don't "measure" entropy. Rather, you measure temperature with a thermometer and then you calculate the change of entropy. There are mathematical formulae and entropy isn't the vague concept of "order/disorder" that the OP seems to stick with.
 
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  • #32
By curiosity, what is the meaning of "OP"?
I couldn't figure it out.
 
  • #33
OP = "Original Post" or "Original Poster"
 

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