Why is it interesting?

“….[classical thermodynamics] is the only physical theory of universal content which I am convinced will never be overthrown, within the framework of applicability of its basic concepts.“

Einstein

“The law that entropy always increases holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of Nature. If someone points out to you that your pet theory of the universe is in disagreement with Maxwell’s equations — then so much the worse for Maxwell’s equations. If it is found to be contradicted by observation — well, these experimentalists do bungle things sometimes. But if your theory is found to be against the second law of thermodynamics I can give you no hope; there is nothing for it but to collapse in deepest humiliation.“

Eddington

Layman

• https://gravityandlevity.wordpress.com/2010/12/07/feynmans-ratchet-and-the-perpetual-motion-gambling-scheme/

Student

Recommended Lecture Notes:

• http://www.inference.org.uk/sanjoy/teaching/thermo/

Recommended Papers:

• Gibbs vs Boltzmann Entropies by E. T. Jaynes; especially the section ""Intuitive meaning of the second law".

FAQ:

• What is the conceptual difference between Gibbs and Boltzmann entropies?
  • https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/141321/what-is-the-conceptual-difference-between-gibbs-and-boltzmann-entropies
  • Gibbs vs Boltzmann Entropies by E. T. Jaynes;

Researcher

Recommended Papers:

• On Geometry of Phenomenological Thermodynamics by Jerzy Kocik

Common Question 1

Common Question 2

Examples

Example1

Example2:

History