Does entropy in a closed system always increase OR remain constant (

In summary, entropy is a measure of disorder in a closed system and always increases due to the Second Law of Thermodynamics. The rate of entropy increase is affected by energy, temperature, and energy transfer. While entropy cannot decrease, its rate of increase can be slowed through energy introduction or manipulation. This concept can be extended to the universe, where entropy constantly increases and leads to the eventual heat death and maximum disorder of the universe.
  • #1
srfriggen
306
5
Does entropy in a closed system always increase OR remain constant ( in equilibrium ).

I have a friend arguing it is ALWAYS increasing.

His latest argument was, "if no energy enters or leaves an isolated system, the availability of the remaining energy decreases."
 
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  • #2


Once the closed system reaches its final equilibrium state , the entropy remains constant. The entropy of a system is a function of several macroscopic quantitates ( Energy, Volume, Number of particles ). Once all this remains constant ( Like a gas in a box which is uniformally distributed in it) how could the entropy change?
 

1. What is entropy and how does it relate to closed systems?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In closed systems, the total amount of energy remains constant, but the energy is constantly being dispersed and the system becomes increasingly disordered over time. Entropy is a measure of this disorder and it always increases in closed systems.

2. Can entropy ever decrease in a closed system?

No, entropy always increases in a closed system. This is due to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will never decrease over time.

3. What factors affect the rate of entropy increase in a closed system?

The rate of entropy increase in a closed system is affected by the amount of energy in the system, the temperature, and the type of energy transfer that occurs. In general, the more energy present and the higher the temperature, the faster the rate of entropy increase.

4. Is there any way to decrease entropy in a closed system?

While entropy cannot decrease in a closed system, it is possible to decrease the rate of entropy increase by introducing energy or manipulating the system. For example, in a living organism, the introduction of energy in the form of food can decrease the rate of entropy increase by allowing the organism to maintain its internal order.

5. How does the concept of entropy in closed systems relate to the concept of disorder in the universe?

Entropy in closed systems is a measure of the disorder or randomness within that system. This concept can be extended to the universe as a whole, where entropy is constantly increasing and the overall disorder of the universe is constantly increasing. This is known as the heat death of the universe, where all energy is eventually dispersed and the universe reaches a state of maximum entropy and disorder.

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