Second Law of Thermodynamics. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states, "{A}lthough the total energy in the cosmos remains constant, the amount of energy available to do useful work is always getting smaller." 70 The second law of thermodynamics assumes that the universe is a closed system because there is nothing outside of it. The amount of useful energy is decreasing, therefore there must have been a time when the energy clock began ticking. 71 Walter Brown holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from MIT and for many years was a professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. "If the entire universe is an isolated system, then, according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, the energy in the universe that is available for useful work has always been decreasing," he says. "However, as one goes back in time, the amount of energy available for useful work would eventually exceed the total energy in the universe, which, according to the First Law of Thermodynamics, remains constant. This is an impossible condition, implying that the universe had a beginning."
( Jeff Myers )
[ Understanding the Times: A ]
www.QuoteSweet.com