Examining the merging and splitting processes in daily life in the light of exergy

Abstract

When two thermodynamic systems at different states are mixed, the exergy contend of the combined “bigger” system may actually be smaller than the exergy content of either of the two systems. Therefore, from the second-law point of view, mixing of systems should be avoided unless the systems being mixed are nearly at the same state. In this paper, we examine the merging and breaking up of families, companies, and states using the entropy generation and exergy destruction associated with various mixing processes of thermodynamic systems as a guide.

In analogy to thermodynamic systems, we present arguments that the more dissimilar are the items being merged, the larger the destruction of the figure of merit or exergy. Therefore, forcing very dissimilar things into a unity may create highly destructive situations. Also, things that are similar in some aspects and dissimilar in other aspects should be combined only partially, involving the similar aspects only. The individual items should maintain their individuality in regard to the dissimilar aspects to avoid destruction. It is also pointed out that breaking up of countries, companies, and even families with irreconcilable differences may sometimes be the best thing to do, and each part of the whole may be much better off after the break-up.