Sensible vs Nonsensible Work

Abstract

As a science structured around entropy, classical thermodynamics is filled with inconsistencies. Beyond its mathematical implications, entropy possesses no clear universal lucidity. Entropy’s various interpretations tend to be application-dependent. Thermal entropy was devised in the 19th century by Clausius to enhance one’s understanding of the relationship between energy and work. The accepted theory of work done by expanding systems has been strictly expressed in terms of that expanding system’s parameters, which is non-sensible. A sensible second theorization of work will be discussed based on the facts that work is always external to the system performing that work and that an expanding system needs to lift the overlying atmosphere’s mass. These two different mathematical interpretations of work will be discussed, along with the cataclysmic implications for accepted thermodynamics. Occam’s razor points to sensible work, as presented herein.