Second Law of Thermodynamics

Abstract

IT is widely realised that there is no single and uniquely correct statement of the Second Law of Thermodynamics but rather that there exist a number of different and mutually compatible, correct statements¹ (Everett² mentions “two or three dozen”) each of which illuminates a different facet of what H. A. Bent (private communication) has called the “Second Law type of behaviour observed in nature”. There is no brief statement from which “… all of the thermodynamic relationships …”³ can be deduced without further knowledge. In considering a particular problem one particular statement is generally more apposite than another, and for those who are concerned with the mechanisms that produce work, a statement of the Law that stresses the significance of work has distinct advantages. One such statement of mine⁴ has been criticised by Legon³. Unfortunately the revised article containing the basis for some of my statements has only recently appeared⁵ though it was submitted long before the other⁴. This paper⁵ should have forestalled many of Legon's objections. For example, its first page deals with the question of “maximum work” and its equations (5) to (7) and (9) to (13) deal with equilibria and with entropy creation respectively.