- #1
mishrashubham
- 607
- 1
I've been trying to understand this term ever since I first heard it from my friend. I have tried reading books, googled it and asking people but all I ever get are explanations about degree of disorder etc etc.
"Entropy is a thermodynamic property that is a measure of the energy not available for useful work in a thermodynamic process, such as in energy conversion devices, engines, or machines. "
That's what Wikipedia says about entropy and mentions about "useful work". I might be ignorant of scientific terminology but I assume useful work is work that is useful to humans. (No one ever seems to define 'useful work' though everyone keeps using it).
So my question is, the second law of thermodynamics concerns itself with entropy which I have gathered is defined with something based on human perception or is subjective to humans (useful work, disorder and the like). But isn't it supposed to be a law that must remain true regardless of whether humans existed or not. (I don't claim to understand this law as for that I must first understand what entropy is).
Why should a law be based upon something that is dependent on people (what might disorder for you might not be so for me).
Please help me in clearing this thing. Again I say that I'm not trying to criticize any law or scientist. The above are just mental arguments which I certainly look forward to be countered.
Thank You
"Entropy is a thermodynamic property that is a measure of the energy not available for useful work in a thermodynamic process, such as in energy conversion devices, engines, or machines. "
That's what Wikipedia says about entropy and mentions about "useful work". I might be ignorant of scientific terminology but I assume useful work is work that is useful to humans. (No one ever seems to define 'useful work' though everyone keeps using it).
So my question is, the second law of thermodynamics concerns itself with entropy which I have gathered is defined with something based on human perception or is subjective to humans (useful work, disorder and the like). But isn't it supposed to be a law that must remain true regardless of whether humans existed or not. (I don't claim to understand this law as for that I must first understand what entropy is).
Why should a law be based upon something that is dependent on people (what might disorder for you might not be so for me).
Please help me in clearing this thing. Again I say that I'm not trying to criticize any law or scientist. The above are just mental arguments which I certainly look forward to be countered.
Thank You