Transcript:
Well, a small number of tiny things started vibrating a lot. Then they wobble some other things, which wobble a lot of other things, resulting in a significant increase in disorder.
What about the living things inside?
That is a meaningless distinction.
scyphi26 over 10 years ago
Took me a second, but I’m following the physicist here.
:For those who are not already aware: heat energy is generated by the amount of movement or vibration in the atoms in matter. The more motion in the atoms, the more heat is generated. Therefore, in a fire, those atoms begin to REALLY move around. I think the “living things” are a “meaningless distinction” because from the point of view of the atoms, their presence doesn’t really affect the situation much.
Stephen Gilberg over 10 years ago
Studying physics gives you the mindset of Dr. Manhattan?
Brass Orchid Premium Member over 10 years ago
You can call it an increase in disorder, but it is actually a return to the proper order, with covalent bonds that contain more energy than they should being allowed to relax and let go of the excess, separating and recombining into more comfortable arrangements.