Will entropy eventually destroy even an open and efficient system?

In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of an open system, which can take in energy and matter from outside and potentially decrease its overall entropy. The speaker raises three questions about the role of quantum fluctuations in this process and whether there are other factors that could eventually cause the system to break down. Overall, it is unclear whether quantum fluctuations can sustain an open system indefinitely, as they have a tendency to deviate from the average value.
  • #1
D_Baine
1
0
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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  • #2
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.
 

1. What is entropy and how does it affect a system?

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. As a system becomes more disordered, its entropy increases. This can affect the efficiency and functioning of a system, as it requires more energy to maintain order.

2. Can an open and efficient system be destroyed by entropy?

While entropy can cause a decrease in efficiency and functionality, it cannot completely destroy an open and efficient system. This is because open systems have the ability to exchange energy and matter with their surroundings, allowing them to maintain a balance and resist the effects of entropy.

3. How does the second law of thermodynamics relate to entropy?

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. This means that in a closed system, entropy will eventually lead to the breakdown and destruction of the system. However, in an open system, the second law can be overcome by the exchange of energy and matter.

4. How can an open and efficient system maintain its order and resist entropy?

An open and efficient system can maintain its order by constantly exchanging energy and matter with its surroundings. This allows the system to constantly replenish its resources and remove any excess entropy. Additionally, efficient systems have mechanisms in place to minimize the effects of entropy, such as feedback loops and self-regulation.

5. Is there a limit to how much entropy an open and efficient system can resist?

While open and efficient systems have the ability to resist the effects of entropy, there may be a limit to how much they can resist. This is because the exchange of energy and matter with the surroundings is not infinite, and the system may eventually reach a point where it can no longer maintain its order. However, this limit may vary depending on the specific system and its resources.

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