I Physics of paper absorbing Water -- Doesn't this decrease Entropy?

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The discussion centers on the hydrophilic nature of cellulose and its interaction with water, questioning whether this process decreases entropy. It highlights that water's ability to rise through paper is due to adhesive and cohesive forces overcoming gravity. The formation of hydrogen bonds between water and cellulose is favored due to the higher electronegativity of the hydroxyl groups. While the local absorption of water may seem to decrease entropy, it could also increase the overall degrees of freedom within the system. The conversation ultimately ties these interactions to the second law of thermodynamics, emphasizing that systems evolve toward lower potential energy states, which can lead to increased entropy overall.
casparov
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Summary: doesn't this decrease entropy ?

Cellulose is known for its hydrophilic quality, which can be explained from the polarity of its hydroxyl groups.

We all know water can overcome the force of gravity through a piece of paper you put in the water.
Correct me if I'm wrong but this is a combination of adhesive + cohesive forces > gravity.

Why is it favorable for the water to form hydrogen bonds with the cellulose, why favorable to maximize those bonds? Is it because of higher electronegativity of the hydroxyls than the water molecules in the liquid?

How does it bring the system into a lower energy state?

Doesn't it also decrease entropy ? Or only in a very local way, because water found some air pockets inside the paper, therefore increasing the degrees of freedom ?

and more general how does hydrogen bonding rhyme with 2nd law of thermodynamics ?
 
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casparov said:
How does it bring the system into a lower energy state?

Doesn't it also decrease entropy ?
Energy is conserved, hence closed systems do not evolve into lower energy states. Instead, they evolve into lower potential energy states. Why? Because lower potential energy means higher kinetic energy (because total energy is conserved), and kinetic energy can take the form of thermal motion, which means higher temperature and hence higher entropy.
 
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