Daytona Beach, FL – The Laws of Thermodynamics –
The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics, that of thermal equilibrium, is introduced when Captain Wright tells Doley and Ray why he prefers cold beer to free beer. The concept of equilibrium, though not thermal equilibrium, is also presented in the scene in the altitude chamber, where students practice the One Cheek Sneak to equalize gastric pressure.
The First Law of Thermodynamics, a version of the conservation of energy, is explained partially by Lieutenant Wilson and more completely by Lieutenant Baiber. There is a finite amount of energy. It can neither be created nor destroyed. You can use it wisely, or you can waste it, and the best pilots manage their energy to make the most of their time in the sky.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics is formally discussed during the formation phase of T-38 training. When Ray says to Major Carrington, “it seems to me like the flights are never flown the way they are briefed,” the Second Law of Thermodynamics is given as the reason they never will be. The concept of entropy is used to create tension throughout the story.
The Third Law of Thermodynamics, dealing with the concept of absolute zero, is invoked when Ray cannot remove a tray of ice cubes from the freezer, because the temperature in the icebox has become so cold that nothing can move. Why is this important?