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Entropy is the scientific concept of disorder and randomness that has many broad applications across different branches of physics. While it is not a law itself, it is central to understanding the Second Law of Thermodynamics, as objects that are in thermodynamic equilibrium are at their highest state of entropy.
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What does the second law of thermodynamic say about entropy?
The entropy of the universe is increasing
When water becomes ice the entropy decreases does this contradict the second law?
No, the decrease in entropy of water turning into ice does not violate the second law of thermodynamics. The second law states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease, but entropy can decrease locally within the system as long as there is a corresponding increase in entropy elsewhere. In the case of water turning into ice, the decrease in entropy of the water molecules is offset by an increase in entropy in the surroundings.
What law states that entropy tends to increase over time?
The Second Law of Thermodynamics.
When water becomes ice and the entropy decreases does this contradict the second law of thermodynamics?
No, the second law of thermodynamics allows for local decreases in entropy as long as there is a greater increase in the entropy of the surroundings, maintaining a net increase in total entropy. In the case of water freezing into ice, the decrease in entropy of the water molecules is accompanied by an increase in the entropy of the surroundings, such as the heat released to the environment.
How can the net amount of entropy of the universe be massively decreased?
The net amount of entropy in the universe can only decrease if there is a localized decrease in entropy, which requires a larger increase in entropy in the surrounding environment to comply with the second law of thermodynamics. This is a highly unlikely scenario on a cosmic scale, as the overall trend in the universe is towards increased entropy.
