Stan says:
>The 2nd Law doesn't only apply to "closed systems," if there is such a
>thing. It applies to energy.
>...
In my book, while the generic theoretical form is universal, the bit about increasing
entropy which generally passes for the 2nd law does only apply to (almost) close
systems. Specifically, if the system is not closed it can be a dissipitave system
where complexity increases, not decreases. This is how life can get away with
violating a simplistic understanding of the 2nd law all the time. All hail the sun
because it kicks entropy's ass. I'm not pointing my finger at anyone but some
people don't understand this and use their understanding of thermodynamics to
rationalize their morbid tendencies and rant about things fallling apart.
As to oil, AFAIK there is no thermodynamic law why would prevent us of doing
anything we see fit with solar energy. In fact fossil fuels are made out of solar
energy. The problem is a technological one and not a theoretical one. There's
obviously also the issue of scale: Replacing the current rate of consumption of
fossil energy by solar energy would probably be impossible. But I can't understand
what this has to do with the 2nd law.
> CB: How about the solar system as a closed system ?
How does this apply to life on earth? Oh yeah, one day the sun will stop beign
friendly with us. So what?
Julien
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