heat theorem

[AntonioLao]

It took a very long time (about 30 years) for physicists to gradually accept the fact that absolute entropy exists. At absolute zero of temperature the absolute entropy is also absolutely zero. This phenomenological limit is known as the heat theorem or Nernst’s theorem or simply stated as the 3rd law of thermodynamics. It is theoretically believed that an atom or molecule with zero entropy exists in only one quantum state. Its energy is known precisely with absolute certainty. This does violate the uncertainty principle. On the other hand, since absolute zero cannot be measured by finite steps of temperature decreases (see principle of unattainability, pp 92-93, Pauli Lectures on Physics, Volume 3, Thermodynamics and the Kinetic Theory of Gases, Dover Edition, 2000), quantum mechanics (QM) remains valid in the infinitesimal positive neighborhood of zero. However, at absolute zero it can only imply a return to determinism as envisioned by Einstein for completing QM.

Seemingly, it is this implied violation of the uncertainty principle that prevented any mention of Nernst’s theorem in most books on QM. However, Pauli, Schrödinger, Fermi, Feynman, and many others accepted it as a true physical law without bothering to give a rigorous proof. Nonetheless, zero temperature is not equivalent to zero heat. Since heat is just a form of thermal energy and zero thermal energy means thermal equilibrium, input equals output for a closed system. Nernst developed his theorem in 1906 in order to understand the idealized nature of any chemical equilibrium. It was probably for this reason that he was awarded the 1920 Nobel Prize for chemistry instead of physics.

[mkirkpatrick]

Does motion depend on heat?could light emit radiance at absolute zero?And if it did with what could you measure it with.?Consciousness exists at absolute zero,because it is absolute.So then is consciousness independant of thermal fluxuations regardless of whether they are absolute zero or very hot indeed?



regards michael.

[AntonioLao]

Does motion depend on heat?

It does as experimentally justified by the kinetic theory of gases. The first application is the steam engine of the industrial revolution.

could light emit radiance at absolute zero?

absolute zero is not attainable by a sequence or succeeding decrease in temperature hence cannot be measured.

Consciousness exists

No one has yet established its relation to heat or temperature.

[Profpat]

If I'm not mistaken everything that moves generates heat.

[AntonioLao]

everything that moves generates heat

And everything that does not move absorbs heat, a taker not a giver.

[Profpat]

I thought heat distributes itself to cold areas, like magic. Nature abhors a vacuum.

[AntonioLao]

I think that's is the 2nd law: heat always flow from a system of higher temperature to a system of lower temperature in order to reach thermal equilibrium. That's not the case where and when population inversion is achieved in a LASER system.

[Profpat]

I thought laws were laws that could not be violated. ( Except for my speeding tickets )

[AntonioLao]

If nobody violates traffic laws then the municipal coffer would be empty.

[Profpat]

As long as I'm driving Antonio, their coffers will never be empty