Entropy: Destruction or Transformation?

  • Thread starter SarcasticSully
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Entropy
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of entropy and its relationship to energy. It is stated that entropy cannot be destroyed, as it is a measure of energy. The speaker then presents a scenario where a reaction decreases entropy but is also exothermic, leading to a net decrease in entropy. The question is raised about where the entropy goes in this situation, and the speaker suggests that the use of the term "destroyed" may be confusing. They also question the possibility of a negative entropy reaction being exothermic and ask for examples. The conversation concludes with a discussion of the process of water freezing in a fridge, which is both exothermic and decreases entropy, but the location of the entropy is not a concern as it is obvious
  • #1
SarcasticSully
13
0
Ok so entropy cannot be destroyed, right? So let's say you have a reaction that decreases entropy (s<0) but it also is exothermic (h<0) and that overpowers the entropy decrease so it is spontaneous (ie h-ts=g<0). If that happens, where does the entropy go?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
If that is a closed system, then you have just described a net increase in entropy.
Possibly it is the imprecise use of words that is confusing you - or you are pulling my leg.
Redo the description, and describe it more carefully.
 
  • #3
"destroyed" is an odd term to use here: entropy is energy. It doesn't get destroyed, it gets counted. And I don't think it is possible for a negative entropy reaction to be exothermic. Do you have any examples?
 
  • #4
If I put glass of water into the fridge it will "spontaneously" freeze. This process is both exothermic and has a decreasing entropy. But it so blatantly obvious where the entropy "goes" I am not even going to mention it.
 
  • #5


I can clarify that entropy is not a physical substance that can be destroyed or transformed. It is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In the scenario described, the decrease in entropy is counteracted by the release of heat energy, which increases the overall disorder of the system. Therefore, the entropy does not go anywhere, it is simply balanced out by the increase in disorder caused by the release of heat. This is in line with the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time.
 

1. What is Entropy?

Entropy is a scientific concept that describes the degree of disorder or randomness in a system. It is often referred to as the measure of chaos or uncertainty in a system.

2. Is Entropy the same as "disorder"?

No, entropy is not exactly the same as "disorder." While higher entropy does often correspond to a more disordered state, entropy is a quantifiable measurement, while disorder is a more subjective term.

3. Does Entropy always increase?

According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. However, within a specific system, localized decreases in entropy are possible as long as the overall entropy of the system increases.

4. Can Entropy be reversed?

In most cases, entropy cannot be reversed. Once a system has reached a state of maximum entropy, it is highly unlikely that it will spontaneously return to a state of lower entropy. However, with the input of energy and effort, entropy can be decreased in localized areas.

5. Is Entropy always destructive?

No, entropy can also lead to transformation and the creation of new, more complex systems. For example, the formation of stars and galaxies is a result of increasing entropy in the universe. Additionally, processes such as natural selection and evolution rely on the increase in entropy to drive the formation of new species and biological complexity.

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Thermodynamics
Replies
1
Views
685
Replies
1
Views
470
Replies
3
Views
765
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
2K
Back
Top