Lexic.us

Definition of Second law of thermodynamics

1. Noun. A law stating that mechanical work can be derived from a body only when that body interacts with another at a lower temperature; any spontaneous process results in an increase of entropy.

Medical Definition of Second law of thermodynamics

1. All of the chemical and physical processes in a closed system tend to drive that system toward maximum entropy. Clausius statement: No device can operate in a cycle and allow heat to transfer from a colder body to a hotter body unless other compensating activities are taking place. Kelvin-Planck statement: no device can operate in a constant-temperature cycle and convert the heat it receives into work, unless other other compensating activities are taking place. (09 Oct 1997)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Second Law Of Thermodynamics

Literary usage of Second law of thermodynamics

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Principles of Thermodynamics by George Alfred Goodenough (1920)
"CHAPTER IV THE second law of thermodynamics 40. Significance of the Second Law.—While the first law of thermodynamics gives a relation that must be ..."

2. Principles of Thermodynamics by George Alfred Goodenough (1911)
"CHAPTER IV THE second law of thermodynamics 33. Introductory Statement. — While the first law of thermodynamics gives a relation that must be satisfied ..."

3. Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1889)
"THIS paper represents the views of its anthor respecting the various statements of the second law of thermodynamics given by various authors of authority. ..."

4. A Textbook of Physics by John Henry Poynting, Joseph John Thomson (1906)
"We shall make use of a general principle, which we may conveniently state here, known as— Volume The Second Law of Thermodynamics.— We cannot transform heat ..."

5. Report of the Annual Meeting (1892)
"The research is to be continued with improved apparatus. 5. Report on Re/searches Relative 1o the Second Law of Thermodynamics. ..."

6. The Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and General by Thomas Spencer Baynes (1888)
"Thug Thomson's second law of thermodynamics, which states that " it is impossible by means of inanimate material agency to obtain work by cooling matter ..."

7. Summarized Proceedings ... and a Directory of Members (1889)
"THIS paper represents the views of its author respecting the various statements of the second law of thermodynamics given by various authors of authority. ..."

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