Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the movement of energy with in matter. It mainly deals with the movement of heat energy (hence the name), but that study has led the field to include more than heat. This is result of the fact that at the molecular level heat is just the energy of molecular motion. As a result Thermodynamics includes the affects of molecular motion.

Laws of Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics has shown us a lot more than how energy moves in matter. It has shown us that the total amount of matter and energy in the universe is constant and that there is a natural tendency towards deterioration. This is important to the question of origins since both conservation and deterioration would be a natural result of biblical creation effected by sin. A problem for naturalistic origin theories since in most cases they require the exact opposite.

Zeroth Law

 * ''Main Article: Zeroth law of thermodynamics

If two thermodynamic systems A and B are in thermal equilibrium, and B and C are also in thermal equilibrium, then A and C are in thermal equilibrium.

First Law

 * Main Article: First law of thermodynamics

The First Law of Thermodynamics says that total energy of the universe is constant. Or, to put it another way, energy cannot be created or destroyed but it can change form. As a form of energy the same applies to matter. 

Second Law

 * Main Article: Second Law of Thermodynamics

In simple terms, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the entropy of a closed system will always increase, and a local decrease in entropy in an open system always results in a larger increase in external entropy.

Third Law

 * Main Article: Third Law of Thermodynamics

The Third Law of Thermodynamics states that as a system approaches absolute zero, all processes cease and the entropy of the system approaches a minimum value.

Thermodynamic Systems
A system is a set of objects that are capable of interacting with each other. Within the field of Thermodynamics, there are three types of systems which are separated by how much energy or matter can move in the system.

Isolated System
In an isolated system, neither heat nor matter can enter or leave the system.

Closed System
In a closed system, heat may enter or leave the system, but not matter.

Open System
In an open system, both heat and matter may enter or leave the system.

Statistical Thermodynamics

 * Main Article: Statistical Thermodynamics

Statistical Thermodynamics is the study of thermodynamic principles from a statistical stand point. It shows why such principles as increasing entropy are such absolute principles. While it can be applied to macroscopic systems, Statistical Thermodynamics is mainly a study of Thermodynamics at the molecular level.

Order from Chaos

 * Main Article: Order from chaos

Order from chaos demonstrates in mathematical terms that a system can only become more ordered when the system is acted on by energy more ordered than the system itself. Conversely, a system decreases in order when it is acted on by energy less ordered than the system itself.

Related References

 * Thermodynamic Laws that Explain Systems Physics 4 Kids