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

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SUMMARY

In a closed system, entropy always increases or remains constant when in equilibrium. The discussion highlights that when no energy enters or leaves an isolated system, the available energy decreases over time, leading to a final equilibrium state where entropy stabilizes. Key macroscopic quantities influencing entropy include energy, volume, and the number of particles. Once these quantities are constant, such as in a uniformly distributed gas, the entropy does not change.

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  • Familiarity with macroscopic quantities: energy, volume, and number of particles
  • Knowledge of closed and isolated systems in thermodynamics
  • Basic principles of entropy and its measurement
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srfriggen
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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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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?
 

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