What's Left to Discover in Chemical and Thermal Physics?

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Thermodynamics is a crucial branch of physics, falling under the broader category of thermal physics. A significant unresolved question in this field pertains to entropy and the arrow of time, specifically why the universe had low entropy in the past, which influences our understanding of time's direction and the second law of thermodynamics. While most theories in thermal physics appear to be well-established, there may still be open questions worth exploring. The discussion suggests that future research may lean more towards applied rather than fundamental discoveries. Overall, the intersection of thermodynamics and astrophysics raises intriguing inquiries that remain to be fully addressed.
absurdist
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Are there any major questions yet to be solved in these fields?
Also where exactly does thermodynamics, heat fit into physics?Thermal Physics?
 
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Hi absurdist! AFAIK, thermodynamics is a part of physics, and a part of the broader field thermal physics. I don't know of any open questions in pure thermal physics, but I'm sure there must be some. Here is a really big open question related to thermodynamics: Entropy (arrow of time); "Why did the universe have such low entropy in the past, resulting in the distinction between past and future and the second law of thermodynamics?"
 
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I think your example is more Astrophysics, you'd probably need background in astronomy/cosmology, I suppose. I am beginning to think most of the theories have been proven to the extent of no further fundamental discoveries. Now there's only room for applied research.
 

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