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What Is the Second Law of Thermodynamics?

Michael Smathers
Michael Smathers

The three laws of thermodynamics govern the transfer and behavior of all matter and energy in the universe as science commonly understands it. Summed up, the first law states that the amount of energy and heat in an isolated system remains constant; no more energy can come from a system than was put into it. This ties into the Law of Conservation of Energy which states that matter and energy cannot be created or destroyed. The second law of thermodynamics is one of the most important underpinnings of nature, responsible for time's arrow and the irreversibility of nature.

No matter how ideal a system may seem to be, there is no such thing as a perfect system. Some energy, whether electrical, thermal or mechanical, will be lost to friction and convert to waste heat. This means that over time the total energy of a system will gradually approach zero unless outside energy is added. The amount of entropy, or disorder, in a system will approach maximum, meaning that no useful work can be done in or by the system because its molecules and particles are too disorganized. The second law of thermodynamics holds that systems tend toward disorder from a more ordered state; an ice cube in a glass of water will melt and warm the surrounding water slightly, putting the two systems in equilibrium.

Because the universe is an isolated thermodynamic system, its entropy will approach maximum as stars burn out and become black holes.
Because the universe is an isolated thermodynamic system, its entropy will approach maximum as stars burn out and become black holes.

The second law of thermodynamics overrides the first law; where the first law holds that energy output can never exceed energy input, the second law holds that energy output can never equal energy input due to constant loss of energy and the tendency for systems to approach equilibrium. The less energy a system has, the more entropy is present because it takes energy to restore order and decrease total entropy. When the energy within a system reaches an equilibrium, entropy is at a maximum. For example, although a cup of warm water will cool naturally, it takes constant application of heat energy to keep the water at a warmer temperature.

Cosmologists look to the second law of thermodynamics to create theories about the eventual fate of the universe. The most common theory is that because the universe itself is an isolated thermodynamic system, its entropy will approach maximum as the stars burn out and become black holes. These will eventually evaporate after 100 trillion years, leaving the universe as a sterilized void for the rest of eternity, barring quantum fluctuations.

Discussion Comments

anon341526

Using the second law of thermodynamics, please explain as to how our galaxy, solar system, earth, life and intelligence came about? The second law prohibits all of these things - especially life. There is enough data in a single strand of human DNA to fill up 1,000 each 500 page books. According to the second law, things break down. Chaos comes out of order, not the other way around. The God of The Bible created everything, including us, just as He said He did.

anther61

As much of a layman as I am, and as advanced as you are in this subject, can I be so bold to ask if the laws of thermodynamics still apply now?

I ask because you say that energy output can never exceed energy input. I contest that we can achieve a higher output than input. I also suggest this happens on a regular basis in our universe and unknown universes. I would call this astronomical heat transfer thus giving what we really have very little knowledge of? You guys are awesome. I, however, am a grade 9 graduate who stumbled on this site looking into something else. Once again, please be kind to the average IQ. Sure would love some input, though!

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    • Because the universe is an isolated thermodynamic system, its entropy will approach maximum as stars burn out and become black holes.
      By: DR
      Because the universe is an isolated thermodynamic system, its entropy will approach maximum as stars burn out and become black holes.