What exactly does the proposed 4th law of thermodynamics mean?

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SUMMARY

The proposed 4th law of thermodynamics states that every non-equilibrium state of a system must have a metric in state space, guiding its irreversible time evolution towards steepest entropy ascent while adhering to conservation constraints. This law is independent of the established 0th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd laws of thermodynamics. The discussion references a comprehensive study published in the Royal Society, which consolidates 40 years of background research on this topic.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic laws, specifically the 0th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd laws
  • Familiarity with concepts of entropy and non-equilibrium thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of state space metrics in physical systems
  • Basic grasp of conservation constraints in thermodynamic processes
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  • Research the implications of the proposed 4th law of thermodynamics
  • Study the article from the Royal Society on the 4th law for detailed insights
  • Explore the relationship between entropy and non-equilibrium states in thermodynamics
  • Investigate metrics in state space and their applications in thermodynamic systems
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Researchers, physicists, and students in thermodynamics, particularly those interested in advanced concepts of entropy and non-equilibrium systems.

DeathByKugelBlitz
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'Every non-equilibrium state of a system or local subsystem for which entropy is well defined must be equipped with a metric in state space with respect to which the irreversible component of its time evolution is in the direction of steepest entropy ascent compatible with the conservation constraints.'

I understand the first 4 laws but this one is new
 
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Do you have a reference for your quote?
 
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Wow, this is fresh stuff with a lot of background research from the last 40 years. It looks like it is not a consequence of the 0th (transitivity of thermodynamic equilibrium and empiric/operational definition of temperature), 1st, 2nd and 3rd laws of thermodynamics, but an independent conclusion. I can't say more right now, I let some expert offer an explanation of its meaning and relevance.
I thank you for bringing it up.
 
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