- #1
Tready2
- 2
- 0
Could anybody explain to me why it is that atoms desire (sorry about the personification) a lower energy state? It just occurred to me as I was studying enthalpy changes at school...
The desire of atoms for a lower energy state
In summary, the conversation discussed the tendency of systems to fall into the lowest energy state, which is described by the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This principle, also known as the principle of minimum energy, explains why nature favors a lower energy state and why it is unlikely for a system to spontaneously increase in energy. The reason for this phenomenon is still unknown, but it is often compared to the concept of laziness in nature.
- #2
Mapes
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
- 2,592
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Hi Tready2, welcome to PF. Yes, let's not anthropomorphize our particles (they don't like it 
)
Systems tend to fall into the lowest energy state because any energy emitted quickly dissipates as thermal energy and is lost. In a similar way, it's totally unremarkable for a ball to fall off a table and for the resulting sound, vibrations, and frictional heat to dissipate, but it would be incredibly unlikely for random noise and heat to accumulate to make the same ball leap up to the table again.
This general principle is what the Second Law of Thermodynamics is all about: there's a tendency for a system to relax into the lowest possible energy configuration, and this tendency increases with system size.
Does this answer your question?
)Systems tend to fall into the lowest energy state because any energy emitted quickly dissipates as thermal energy and is lost. In a similar way, it's totally unremarkable for a ball to fall off a table and for the resulting sound, vibrations, and frictional heat to dissipate, but it would be incredibly unlikely for random noise and heat to accumulate to make the same ball leap up to the table again.
This general principle is what the Second Law of Thermodynamics is all about: there's a tendency for a system to relax into the lowest possible energy configuration, and this tendency increases with system size.
Does this answer your question?
- #3
JerryClower
- 68
- 1
Can an example of the second law of thermodynamics be that a system is constantly going from order to disorder? Of course that is in the physical realm, not the thermal one.
- #4
Zhivago
- 26
- 1
Everything in nature just likes to occupy the lowest energy possible.
It's called the principle of minimum energy, and is another way to rephrase the 2nd law of thermodynamics.
Why it happens, no one knows. Nature is just lazy! :)
It's called the principle of minimum energy, and is another way to rephrase the 2nd law of thermodynamics.
Why it happens, no one knows. Nature is just lazy! :)
- #5
JerryClower
- 68
- 1
Zhivago said:
I just noticed that the second law of thermodynamics describes me very well!
- #6
Tready2
- 2
- 0
Mapes said:Hi Tready2, welcome to PF. Yes, let's not anthropomorphize our particles (they don't like it
Systems tend to fall into the lowest energy state because any energy emitted quickly dissipates as thermal energy and is lost. In a similar way, it's totally unremarkable for a ball to fall off a table and for the resulting sound, vibrations, and frictional heat to dissipate, but it would be incredibly unlikely for random noise and heat to accumulate to make the same ball leap up to the table again.
This general principle is what the Second Law of Thermodynamics is all about: there's a tendency for a system to relax into the lowest possible energy configuration, and this tendency increases with system size.
Does this answer your question?
Yes. It helped a lot :) Thank you!
P.s. Sorry I didn't reply for ages!
1. What is the desire of atoms for a lower energy state?
The desire of atoms for a lower energy state refers to the tendency of atoms to release energy and move towards a more stable and lower energy state. This process is known as "relaxation" and can occur through various means, such as emitting photons or transferring energy to other atoms.
2. Why do atoms have a desire for a lower energy state?
Atoms have a desire for a lower energy state because it is a more stable and favorable state for them. In a lower energy state, the electrons in an atom are closer to the nucleus, resulting in a stronger attraction and a more tightly bound atom. This leads to a decrease in the potential energy of the atom, making it more stable.
3. How does the desire for a lower energy state affect chemical reactions?
The desire for a lower energy state plays a crucial role in chemical reactions. When atoms bond to form molecules, they release energy and move towards a more stable state. This release of energy is what drives the reaction forward. Similarly, in exothermic reactions, the desire for a lower energy state causes the products to have lower energy than the reactants, resulting in a release of energy.
4. Can the desire for a lower energy state be artificially manipulated?
Yes, the desire for a lower energy state can be manipulated through various means. Scientists can use external energy sources to excite atoms and move them to higher energy states, which then relax back to a lower energy state, releasing energy in the process. This can be used in various applications, such as in lasers and light bulbs.
5. How does the desire for a lower energy state relate to entropy?
The desire for a lower energy state is closely related to the concept of entropy, which is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. As atoms move towards a lower energy state, they become more ordered and less random, leading to a decrease in entropy. This is because lower energy states are more structured and organized, while higher energy states are more chaotic and disordered.
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