Dynamic Interpretation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics

“In the late 1860’s, both Boltzmann and Clauisus attempted to derive the second law of thermodynamics from mechanics, an approach known as the dynamical interpretation of the second law. In this approach, the dynamics of individual molecules were followed in hope that this would ultimately lead to an understanding of the origin of the second law. Maxwell refuted this approach as a matter of principle because of the simple but powerful argument that Newton’s laws of motion, and indeed Maxwell’s equations for electromagnetic field, are completely reversible. Consequentially the irreversibility implicit in the second law cannot be explained by dynamical theory. The second law could only be understood as a statement based upon a statistical analysis of an immense number of molecules”: From book by Longair (1)

I find the above quite interesting. Certainly if those formulating the foundations of traditional thermodynamics only realized that the worked required to displace our atmosphere explains lost work by expanding systems, then all these complex arguments and rationales could have been avoided. Certainly this explains why so many useful systems here on Earth are irreversible.

Of course the statistical validity of the second law, now becomes one of irrational thought in light of the more simpler eloquent solutions given in this book.

1) M.S. Longair . “Theoretical Concepts in Physics: An alternative View of Theoretical Reasoning in Physics” Cambridge University Press 2003