Entropy-driven processes refer to systems where entropy changes dictate the natural progression of events, particularly in isolated systems like the universe. In these contexts, a positive change in entropy (> 0) indicates that a process can occur spontaneously, while a negative change (< 0) necessitates energy input to proceed. The discussion clarifies that entropy itself does not drive processes; rather, it is the associated energy changes that facilitate movement and transformation within systems, including biological and mesoscopic systems.
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Entropy is not a concrete physical thing so it does not really drive anything. Energy is the ability to apply a force over a distance (work). Energy drives things. The entropy change of a process tells us whether the process will occur naturally by itself (ie. change in entropy is > 0) or whether energy must be added to make the process occur (entropy < 0). If a change in entropy of a process is > 0, the process results in energy of a system becoming more disperse. If entropy change of a system < 0, energy in the system becomes more concentrated (this can only occur if energy is added).wangasu said:Does anybody know about the entropy-driven processes? Are they referred to the systems without enthapy change? so, all the isolated systems like the universe belong to the category. but, I also noticed that the term, entropy-driven, was used in some biological or mesoscopic systems. What is it really all about? Thank you.