What's the relation with Gravity & Laws of Thermodynamics

In summary, gravity has been keeping us firmly on the ground, without gravity we would have been "floating" around, and we never give anything back to gravity.
  • #1
physicsBabyMetal
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Here's a thought from other thread
Gravity have been keeping us firmly on the ground, without gravity we would have been "floating" around, and we never give anything back to gravity.

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As we go about our business in the Earth gravity well we are constantly shifting between potential energy and kinetic energy and generating heat energy as a result. We don't get a free lunch and we don't violate the laws of thermodynamics.

So what's the relation between gravity and the laws of thermodynamic, or should it be conservation of energy?
 
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  • #2
The fact that the density of the air particles as we go up becomes smaller and smaller is the effect of thermodynamics on gravity. Low energy states are populated more by particles than high energy states. Also heating up of atmosphere due to radiation and friction is also due to thermodynamic principle. As such there is no direct relation. Gravitational force acts on every molecule of air but thermodynamic principles apply to macroscopic variables which have meaning for aggregates of molecules. Pressure, temperature, density are such variables.

Conservation of energy is a general principle applicable everywhere even in thermodynamics. But principle of increase of entropy of universe as whole or what you designate as Universe in a local manner is a valid principle which is obeyed is a principle applicable only in the field of thermodynamics.
 
  • #3
Let'sthink said:
The fact that the density of the air particles as we go up becomes smaller and smaller is the effect of thermodynamics on gravity.
What about the effect of thermodynamics on human bones density if gravity is increased by double?
Do you consider gravity doing work by pulling almost every objects onto the surface, and how does thermodynamics or conservation apply in this situation?
 
  • #4
No free lunch refers to getting something from nothing as would happen if perpetual motion machines were real. We as a machine must convert chemical energy which we've accumulated from eating, breathing and drinking into kinetic energy of motion in order to counteract gravity. The byproduct of this conversion is heat.

I would suggest everyone here read Benjamin Crowell's book on Conceptual Physics:

http://lightandmatter.com/cp/

before discussing this matter further.

Since there is nothing more to say then this thread is now closed.
 
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Related to What's the relation with Gravity & Laws of Thermodynamics

1. How does gravity affect the laws of thermodynamics?

Gravity is a fundamental force that affects all physical systems, including those governed by the laws of thermodynamics. In particular, gravity influences the transfer of energy and heat within a system, as well as the behavior of particles and molecules.

2. Are there any connections between the first and second laws of thermodynamics and gravity?

Yes, there are connections between the first and second laws of thermodynamics and gravity. The first law states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or converted. Gravity plays a role in this transfer of energy, as it can cause potential energy to be converted into kinetic energy, and vice versa. The second law states that the total entropy of a closed system will never decrease over time. Gravity can affect this by causing particles to move and interact, leading to a change in entropy.

3. How does gravity affect the movement of heat in a thermodynamic system?

Gravity can influence the movement of heat in a thermodynamic system by creating convection currents, which are responsible for the transfer of heat through fluids. Additionally, gravity can cause a change in the density of a fluid, which can impact its ability to conduct heat. This can also lead to thermal stratification within a system.

4. Can gravity violate the laws of thermodynamics?

No, gravity cannot violate the laws of thermodynamics. These laws are fundamental principles that govern the behavior of all physical systems and cannot be broken. While gravity may influence the behavior of these systems, it does not violate the laws of thermodynamics.

5. How does gravity affect the equilibrium state in a thermodynamic system?

Gravity can affect the equilibrium state in a thermodynamic system by creating a vertical pressure gradient. This can cause variations in temperature and density, and ultimately impact the equilibrium state of the system. Additionally, gravity can also cause variations in the distribution of particles, leading to a change in the equilibrium state.

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