RE: 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

["Prevette, Steven S" <Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov>]

There is a rather good writeup at http://www.secondlaw.com/

One quick thought experiment:  Lets say you have to gas cylinders
connected together with a pipe, and there is a valve on the pipe.  One
cylinder has gas compressed in it at 100 psi.  The other has a vacuum.
If you open the valve between the two cylinders, the pressure will
equalize between the two cylinders.  There will be some liberation of
heat in the process.  This is a decrease in the "order", and an increase
in entropy.  In order to restore the cylinders to the original
configuration (one pressurized, and one at a vacuum), you will need to
expend energy.   


Steve Prevette
Occupational Safety and Health
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Government Group Project
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371