From minimum entropy to maximum entropy

Systems observed in nature have an entropy that is always larger than k ln 2. Here, k is the Boltzmann constant.

As Uwe Hohm and I showed in this freely accessible publication, the minimum entropy value agrees with all data.

The principle of minimum entropy is easy to understand. Each system has at least two states: it is being observed or it is not. Using Boltzmann's expression S = k ln W, one gets the minimum system entropy.
 

The minimum system entropy is not a quantum of entropy

Because entropy differences and entropy values per particle can be much smaller than k ln 2, the minimum system entropy is not a "quantum of entropy". (The minimum entropy thus differs from the quantum of action.)

Only the total system entropy cannot be smaller than k ln 2.
 

The minimum system entropy does not contradict the third law

As Uwe Hohm and I explain, the lack of contradiction with the third law is mainly a consequence of measurement errors.

No observation has ever found a system entropy below k ln 2. Neither the smallest systems nor the coldest systems achieve a smaller value.

The minimum system entropy resembles maximum speed: shadows, light spots and images can move faster than c, but nobody has ever observed a system moving faster than c.
 

The minimum system entropy is a principle of nature

The minimum system entropy allows deducing all of thermodynamics: all its quantities and laws.

Because all of thermodynamics can be derived, minimum entropy is the principle of themodynamics.
 

The minimum system entropy implies the second law

The second law follows from the existence of entropy.

Therefore, the principle of smallest entropy implies that entropy tends to a maximum.
 

The principle of minimum entropy is one of the five principles of nature

The principle of least action describes all motion.

The principle of maximum speed c describes special relativity.

The principle of maximum force c⁴/4G describes general relativity.

The principle of the quantum of action ℏ describes quantum theory.

The principle of minimum entropy k ln 2 describes thermodynamics.

Phyics is simple. As explained here, a few additional statements on interactions and particles are needed to achieve a complete the description of physics and nature.
 

History

It was a surprise to Uwe and me, both fans of extremum principles, that this principle had not been discussed in the literature yet. Explaining leads to understanding. Only explaining as simply as possible leads to full understanding.

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