How can entropy explain formation of soap bubbles

[physboy]

I've taken basic college physics and chemistry courses where I learned about entropy and thermodynamics, and I can tell you that I don't know that much :) That's my background.

I understand that entropy is a description of 'randomness' and possible 'states'. When I wash my hands with soap, I wonder how entropy plays a role. When you wash your hands and look at the sink, you'll likely see bubbles aggregating. Now, isn't that a highly ordered state? You can argue that the motion of your hands create such organized state, that energy was created to give order in the system; but if left alone, why don't the bubbles un-form, due to the absence of motion?

 

[Mattenerinfo]

Entropy doesn't play a part so much as the restriction of volume. The gas inside the bubble will push at the sides and force the bubble to be the most efficient model because of the bubbles surface tension. Entropy doesn't act as a strong enough force to degrade the optimized design.

Hope I could help.