The hottest Thermodynamics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Thermodynamics of air capture of carbon dioxide

The Climate Brink • 864 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🌞 Climate & Environment Thermodynamics Carbon Capture Global Warming Energy consumption Climate solutions
  1. Thermodynamics helps us understand the energetics of processes and evaluates their effectiveness.
  2. Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology can play a significant role in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels beyond traditional emissions reduction methods.
  3. Implementing DAC technology requires a massive amount of energy, emphasizing the importance of finding climate-safe energy sources.

Glimmers Now the Afterglow

Orbis Tertius • 115 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🔬 Science Thermodynamics Climate change Entropy Philanthropy
  1. Entropy is a measure of energy spreading out, not disorder as commonly thought.
  2. Negentropy describes useful energy that becomes dispersed and useless, and its decrease is important for interesting phenomena.
  3. Climate change should be approached as a thermodynamic reckoning, balancing the negentropy from the sun to create a sustainable society.

Quantum thermodynamics

Sam’s Newsletter • 58 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🔬 Science Quantum Thermodynamics
  1. Quantum theory applies to both small and large systems, outperforming classical mechanics.
  2. The third law of thermodynamics, proposed by Nernst in 1906, states that entropy is zero at zero Kelvin.
  3. Einstein's quantum theory-based model of solids resolved conflicts with the third law, later refined by Debye to include lattice vibrations.

what the f* is e/acc

e/acc newsletter • 3 HN points • 26 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Optimism Thermodynamics
  1. E/acc (effective accelerationism) believes in continuous growth and technological advancement as solutions to human problems.
  2. E/acc is founded on the physics of life, emphasizing that creating structures that efficiently use energy to offload entropy is crucial for survival.
  3. E/acc promotes increasing energy usage, human flourishing, developing AI, and spreading life beyond Earth as key goals for civilization.

The Physics of the Mind Part 1

Vic's Verdict • 0 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🔬 Science Physics Mind Thermodynamics Entropy Meaning
  1. Thoughts can be viewed as a form of energy, following the First Law of Thermodynamics. Your thoughts have sources like your experiences and food, and lead to actions and behaviors.
  2. The Second Law of Thermodynamics applies to the mind, suggesting that without active engagement in learning, relationships, or creativity, our minds decay into chaos. Fostering a sense of meaning and purpose helps combat this decay.
  3. One must identify their 'why' in the battle against entropy. Building systems, relationships, and investing in values can help endure beyond one's lifetime, much like how businesses or legacies can persist through deliberate design.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity: