Thermodynamics
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==Apologetics/Counter-apologetics== | ==Apologetics/Counter-apologetics== | ||
| − | + | {{main article|Argument from the second law of thermodynamics}} | |
| − | {{main article| Argument from the second law of thermodynamics}} | + | |
Creationists sometimes claim that evolution contradicts the second law of thermodynamics. This is usually due to a misunderstanding of what the second law actually says, or else due to the false assumption that the Earth is an isolated (closed) system. | Creationists sometimes claim that evolution contradicts the second law of thermodynamics. This is usually due to a misunderstanding of what the second law actually says, or else due to the false assumption that the Earth is an isolated (closed) system. | ||
Latest revision as of 18:56, 15 June 2010
Thermodynamics is the study of the transfer of heat energy. There are three main laws of thermodynamics, the second being frequently brought into arguments against evolution.
Contents |
Laws
First
In any process, the total energy of the universe remains constant.
Second
There is no process that, operating in a cycle, produces no other effect than the subtraction of a positive amount of heat from a reservoir and the production of an equal amount of work.
Alternatively:
The entropy of an isolated macroscopic system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium.
Third
As temperature approaches absolute zero, the entropy of a system approaches a constant.
Alternative descriptions
The laws of thermodynamics have also been described in a tongue-in-cheek way as:
- You can't win.
- You can't break even.
- And you can't get out of the game.
Apologetics/Counter-apologetics
- Main Article: Argument from the second law of thermodynamics
Creationists sometimes claim that evolution contradicts the second law of thermodynamics. This is usually due to a misunderstanding of what the second law actually says, or else due to the false assumption that the Earth is an isolated (closed) system.
There is also a rough thermodynamic argument against the existence of an orderly God that could create the universe.
External links
- secondlaw.com explains the second law of thermodynamics.
- 2ndlaw.com fields questions generated by the previous site, including issues with evolution.
