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Physicist Solves 120-Year-Old Thermodynamics Puzzle and Corrects Einstein [View all]
https://scitechdaily.com/physicist-solves-120-year-old-thermodynamics-puzzle-and-corrects-einstein/By University of Seville
The paper argues that the third principle of thermodynamics follows from the second principle, rather than being a separate or independent concept.
Professor José María Martín-Olalla of the University of Seville has published a paper addressing a thermodynamics problem that has remained unresolved for 120 years. In doing so, he corrects an idea proposed by Albert Einstein more than a century ago.
The paper links Nernst’s theorem, an experimental observation from 1905 stating that entropy exchanges approach zero as temperature approaches zero, directly to the second principle of thermodynamics. Published in The European Physical Journal Plus, the study extends the implications of the second principle, which states that entropy in the universe tends to increase.
The historical problem of absolute zero
The problem surrounding Nernst’s theorem emerged in the early 20th century, during investigations into how matter behaves at temperatures near absolute zero (minus 273 degrees Celsius). Walther Nernst received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1920 for his contributions to this field.
To explain his findings, Nernst argued that absolute zero must be unreachable. Otherwise, one could theoretically construct an engine that uses absolute zero as a coolant to convert all heat into work, violating the principle that entropy always increases. He used this reasoning to formally state his theorem in 1912.
Soon after, Albert Einstein challenged the argument by noting that such an engine could not actually be built, and therefore it posed no real threat to the second law of thermodynamics. As a result, Einstein separated Nernst’s theorem from the second principle and classified it as a third, independent principle. That interpretation has now been overturned.
. . .
Professor José María Martín-Olalla of the University of Seville has published a paper addressing a thermodynamics problem that has remained unresolved for 120 years. In doing so, he corrects an idea proposed by Albert Einstein more than a century ago.
The paper links Nernst’s theorem, an experimental observation from 1905 stating that entropy exchanges approach zero as temperature approaches zero, directly to the second principle of thermodynamics. Published in The European Physical Journal Plus, the study extends the implications of the second principle, which states that entropy in the universe tends to increase.
The historical problem of absolute zero
The problem surrounding Nernst’s theorem emerged in the early 20th century, during investigations into how matter behaves at temperatures near absolute zero (minus 273 degrees Celsius). Walther Nernst received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1920 for his contributions to this field.
To explain his findings, Nernst argued that absolute zero must be unreachable. Otherwise, one could theoretically construct an engine that uses absolute zero as a coolant to convert all heat into work, violating the principle that entropy always increases. He used this reasoning to formally state his theorem in 1912.
Soon after, Albert Einstein challenged the argument by noting that such an engine could not actually be built, and therefore it posed no real threat to the second law of thermodynamics. As a result, Einstein separated Nernst’s theorem from the second principle and classified it as a third, independent principle. That interpretation has now been overturned.
. . .
Reference: “Proof of the Nernst theorem” by Jose-María Martín-Olalla, 13 June 2025, The European Physical Journal Plus.
DOI: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-025-06503-w
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