description Second law of thermodynamics Overview
The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can only increase over time or remain constant in ideal cases, signifying a natural progression towards disorder.
help Second law of thermodynamics FAQ
What does entropy mean in the second law of thermodynamics?
Entropy is a measure of how energy is spread out or how many microscopic arrangements a system can have. The second law says the entropy of an isolated system cannot decrease over time.
Why does heat flow from hot to cold?
Heat naturally moves from a hotter object to a colder one because that direction increases total entropy. A cup of coffee cooling in a 20 degree Celsius room is a simple everyday example.
Does the second law forbid refrigerators?
No. A refrigerator can move heat from cold to hot only by using external work from electricity. The appliance plus the room still increases total entropy overall.
Who formulated the idea behind the second law?
Rudolf Clausius gave a classic entropy statement of the second law in the 1850s. Lord Kelvin also formulated an equivalent version about the impossibility of converting all heat into work in a cycle.
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