The Laws of Thermodynamics – Scientific Theory in the Creation and Evolution Debate
The word ‘thermodynamics’ comes from the Greek words ‘therme’ which references heat and ‘dynamis’ which references power. The scientific field of thermodynamics examines ‘heat power’ in regard to an ability to do work and conversion to other forms of energy. The laws of thermodynamics are as fundamental and absolute as science can achieve. All things in the observable universe follow these laws.
Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics
The zeroth law of thermodynamics considers the interactions of two or more systems that come into contact with each other. This law became necessary after the other three laws were established which explains the unusual name. This law basically states that objects which come into contact with each other and are able to exchange heat or energy will do so until they become equal. An example of this is placing an ice cube into a hot beverage and waiting until it is all the same temperature.
First Law of Thermodynamics
The first law of thermodynamics considers the quantity of heat in a system. It is also known as the law of conservation of energy. Although the heat power or energy of the system can change forms, the amount of energy contained in the system is always the same. When the quantity of something does not change, it is said to be conserved. This is summed up in the mathematical formula of W=Q-U where the work (W) equals the energy of the system (Q) minus the internal energy of the system (U). This equation is an energy balance equation that tells us where the energy in the system is located.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
The second law of thermodynamics considers the quality of the heat in a system and how much is lost to excess motion or to the surrounding environment. The quality is here defined as the ability to do work. This law details that over time a system will have less and less usable energy available for work. This is typically measured in terms of entropy and is the measure of energy in a system that cannot be changed into work or also commonly referred to as the amount of disorder in a system.
The Open System Debate
Classical thermodynamics have dealt with closed systems. Because of this, evolutionists are quick to declare the second law of thermodynamics does not apply to the earth because it is an open system that constantly gains energy from the sun. However, there is no reason to think that laws concerning heat flow would not work in an open system and indeed the second law of thermodynamics has been found to be equally valid in both open and closed systems. Furthermore, it is self-evident that the laws of thermodynamics will function in an open earth system since that is where they were discovered, tested, and found to be true.
Man-made Machine Debate
Evolutionists attempt to prove the second law of thermodynamics can be disregarded by using man-made machines as examples of something capable of changing the environment. A commonly used example is the refrigerator. Using man-made machines creates a poor argument. Ultimately it cannot be compared with the natural processes that are available to evolution. The refrigerator was designed with a compressor and condenser coils which work on regular planned intervals to create a deliberate and sustained decrease in temperature (and therefore entropy) inside of the refrigerator. This is not the same as the spontaneous self-assembly needed for evolution.
Snowflakes and Crystals Debate
One more attempt by evolutionists to overcome these laws is using objects in nature that have a pattern such as a crystal or snowflake. Again, this argument does not hold up. The comparison uses a nonfunctional object with a repetitive geometric pattern and then compares it with a complex living creature that is able to carry information.
The Laws of Thermodynamics describe how many things in life operate because of their relationship to heat and energy. In the evolution and creation debate, these laws are found to support the side of creation and make evolutionary principles difficult or impossible to occur.
Todd Elder is a believer in the Messiah who wants to help people understand Scripture and know the message of Salvation. For more information about the theology and science of creation, please visit Exploring Creation at http://www.exploringcreation.info and look under ‘Study’.
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