Will entropy eventually destroy even an open and efficient system?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of entropy in open systems, particularly regarding quantum fluctuations and their potential effects. It is established that an open system can maintain or even decrease its entropy by absorbing energy and matter from external sources. However, the conversation raises critical questions about whether quantum fluctuations could create new energy and matter, potentially allowing a system to persist indefinitely, or conversely, lead to its destruction. Additionally, the discussion explores other lesser-known phenomena that might contribute to entropy increase in otherwise stable systems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamics and the concept of entropy
  • Familiarity with open systems in physics
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and quantum fluctuations
  • Awareness of Boltzmann Brains and their theoretical implications
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  • Research the role of quantum fluctuations in thermodynamic systems
  • Explore the concept of Boltzmann Brains and their relevance to entropy
  • Investigate additional phenomena affecting entropy in open systems
  • Study the principles of thermodynamic equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems
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Physicists, students of thermodynamics, and anyone interested in the implications of entropy in open systems and quantum mechanics.

D_Baine
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I'm no expert but, as I understand it, in an open system, one that can take in energy and matter from outside of itself, the overall entropy level can be prevented from increasing (and can actually decrease) under the right conditions. I have three questions:

1. Can the kinds of quantum fluctuations that could produce things like Boltzmann Brains, create NEW energy and matter that could be put into a system, and allow it to continue, thus preventing its overall entropy from increasing, perhaps even DECREASING its overall entropy and, theoretically, allow said system to persist for eternity?

2. On the other hand, could quantum fluctuations, in and of themselves, eventually destroy the system in some way?

3. Besides quantum fluctuations, are there any additional but perhaps little known (or possibly not well understood) phenomenon which, at some point at time, could cause an otherwise undisturbed open system to have its level of entropy increase? I'm basically thinking of a system that could just keep going, so long energy [and matter, I suppose, to replace its worn out parts] kept being put into it and it was not physically harmed by outside forces...is there something else which would or could, possibly, eventually make it break down?
 
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I am not an expert neither. Quantum fluctuation often has variations and even with small probability takes far from average value. I assume this nature prevents to construct forever continuing systems.
 

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