Entropy to never decrease in an isolated system

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of entropy and how it relates to the ordering of a system. The speaker is confused about how molecules can self-assemble to lower interfacial energy and create order, while still following the law that entropy always increases. The other person explains that while ordering may decrease entropy for the specific thing being ordered, it increases entropy elsewhere and must be considered in the context of all interacting particles. They use the example of humans eating apples to illustrate this concept.
  • #1
venomxx
39
0
I considered entropy to never decrease in an isolated system, so I am a little confused when i read about how molecules 'self assemble' to lower interfacial energy which leads to an ordering of the system...

Is this ordering not a decrease in entropy violating the law that it always increases?

Im just a little confused, so if anyone can explain this id appreciate it!
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #2


venomxx said:
Is this ordering not a decrease in entropy violating the law that it always increases?

Ordering decreases entropy for the thing that's being ordered, but it increases entropy elsewhere. You have to make sure that your 'closed system' includes ALL interacting particles etc.

Example, humans eat apples to order themselves by destroying the order of the apple. The apple became ordered by using energy from the sun etc.
 
  • #3


It's not an isolated system.
 

FAQ: Entropy to never decrease in an isolated system

How does the concept of entropy relate to the second law of thermodynamics?

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases over time. This means that the system becomes more disordered and its energy becomes more evenly distributed. Entropy, then, is a measure of this disorder and randomness within a system.

Can entropy ever decrease in an isolated system?

No, according to the second law of thermodynamics, entropy can never decrease in an isolated system. This is because the natural tendency of a system is to move towards a state of maximum entropy, where all energy is evenly distributed and no work can be extracted from the system.

Is there a way to reverse the increase of entropy in an isolated system?

Theoretically, yes, it is possible to reverse the increase of entropy in an isolated system. However, this would require an input of external energy and a very precise and controlled process. In practical terms, it is very unlikely for entropy to decrease in an isolated system.

How does the concept of entropy apply to everyday life?

Entropy can be observed in everyday life in various ways. For example, when a room becomes messy or disorganized, the entropy of the room increases. This can also be seen in the aging process of living organisms, where a gradual increase in entropy leads to the breakdown of biological systems.

Can the concept of entropy be applied to non-physical systems?

Yes, the concept of entropy can also be applied to non-physical systems, such as social or economic systems. In these systems, entropy may refer to the degree of disorder or unpredictability within the system. For example, a society with high levels of inequality and instability may be considered to have a high entropy.

Similar threads

I Physics of paper absorbing Water -- Doesn't this decrease Entropy?
Replies
1
Views
1K
I Is Entropy the inexorable conversion of potential to kinetic energy?
Replies
17
Views
2K
I How can the maximum entropy and minimum energy principles be physical?
Replies
13
Views
2K
Proof that entropy can never decrease
Replies
4
Views
1K
B Will entropy eventually destroy even an open and efficient system?
Replies
1
Views
657
B Ideas regarding gravity and entropy
Replies
4
Views
1K
Why does the entropy of a closed system remain constant in a reversible process?
Replies
10
Views
2K
Definition of a system in Boltzmann entropy
Replies
1
Views
1K
Can the Entropy of an Isolated System Decrease?
Replies
7
Views
5K
How does the number of microstates affect the entropy of an isolated system?
2
Replies
39
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top