+7 votes
in Thermodynamics by
edited by

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
+1 vote
by

No, the second law of thermodynamics does not prove that life cannot come from non-life. The second law of thermodynamics, often referred to as the law of entropy, states that in a closed system, the total entropy (or disorder) tends to increase over time. It suggests that energy tends to disperse and become less concentrated.

While the second law of thermodynamics is a fundamental principle of nature, it does not explicitly address the origin of life or the transition from non-life to life. The law applies to closed systems, where no energy or matter is exchanged with the surroundings. However, Earth is an open system that receives energy from the Sun and has a continuous flow of matter.

The origin of life is a complex scientific question that is still being actively studied. It involves the understanding of various disciplines, including chemistry, biology, and the study of prebiotic conditions on early Earth. Hypotheses such as abiogenesis propose that life arose from non-living matter through natural processes over a long period.

It's important to note that the second law of thermodynamics does impose certain constraints on the origin and evolution of life. For example, it suggests that the overall entropy of a system and its surroundings should increase, but it does not imply that localized decreases in entropy cannot occur. Living organisms are open systems that can locally reduce entropy by capturing and utilizing energy from their environment to maintain and increase order within their boundaries.

In summary, while the second law of thermodynamics is a fundamental principle, it does not provide a direct proof that life cannot originate from non-life. The question of life's origin is still an area of ongoing scientific investigation.

Welcome to Physicsgurus Q&A, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of the community.
...