Entropy

Guide Note

Entropy is a scientific term used to describe the amount of disorder or randomness in a system. The concept of entropy is the key behind the Second Law of Thermodynamics and is an important limiting factor in many physical processes studied in thermodynamics. Even the arrow of time, is given it's direction by the second law and the requirement that no process can decrease total entropy of a system.

Fast Facts

  1. Also related to Information Theory
  2. Originated by Rudolph Clausius in the 1850's
  3. Central to the Second Law of Thermodynamics
  4. Associated with the amount of order and disorder
  5. Symbolzed by a capital letter "S"

2nd Law of Thermodynamics

In an isolated system, a process can occur only if it increases the total entropy of the system.

The Mahalo Top 7

  1. Wikipedia: Entropy
  2. EntropyLaw.com: Entropy And The Second Law Of Thermodynamics
  3. Spirax Sarco: Entrophy - A Basic Understanding
  4. Entropy Sites — A Guide: A Student’s Approach To The Second Law And Entropy  Robo Trish: Really Keeps Your Attention
  5. Principia Cybernetica Web: Entropy And The Laws Of Thermodynamics
  6. PDF: Entropy Production And Nonlinearity (115 KB)  WARNING: PDF File
  7. YouTube: Marbles Defy Entropy! (Time: 00:38)


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Rudolf Clausius

Ludwig Boltzmann

Josiah Willard Gibbs

James Clerk Maxwell

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