In section 20.2 on page 536 we find the assertion that entropy must be zero at T=0. This is baked into the definition of absolute zero, which is re-emphasized in the chapter summary (aka «glossary») on page 561.
On page VII the book promises to take the deductive approach. However, alas, the assertion about zero entropy is not based on deduction. It looks more like pulling rabbits out of hats.
Actually it's worse than that, insofar as real rabbits can go in and out of real hats without violating any known conservation laws ... whereas the assertion about entropy is inconsistent with reality. The fact is, entropy does not generally go to zero at T=0. Glass is a familiar, obvious example. Also ³He dissolved in ⁴He is an even more incisive example, immune to casuistry about the definition of equilibrium.
It's bad enough to pull correct results out of a hat; it's something else again to pull incorrect results out of a hat.
In section 20.2 on page 536 we find the assertion that entropy must be zero at T=0. This is baked into the definition of absolute zero, which is re-emphasized in the chapter summary (aka «glossary») on page 561.
On page VII the book promises to take the deductive approach. However, alas, the assertion about zero entropy is not based on deduction. It looks more like pulling rabbits out of hats.
Actually it's worse than that, insofar as real rabbits can go in and out of real hats without violating any known conservation laws ... whereas the assertion about entropy is inconsistent with reality. The fact is, entropy does not generally go to zero at T=0. Glass is a familiar, obvious example. Also ³He dissolved in ⁴He is an even more incisive example, immune to casuistry about the definition of equilibrium.
It's bad enough to pull correct results out of a hat; it's something else again to pull incorrect results out of a hat.