Second Law of Thermodynamics
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The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system tends to increase. [1]
According to this law, it is impossible to build a perpetual motion machine, and entropy in a completely closed system must either increase or remain constant.
There are three different types of systems that the Second Law of Thermodynamics can apply to:
- Isolated system - Does not exchange matter or energy with its surroundings
- Closed system - Exchanges energy, but not matter, with its surroundings
- Open system - Exchanges both matter and energy with its surroundings
References
- ↑ “Another way of stating the second law then is: ‘The universe is constantly getting more disorderly!’ Viewed that way, we can see the second law all about us. We have to work hard to straighten a room, but left to itself it becomes a mess again very quickly and very easily. Even if we never enter it, it becomes dusty and musty. How difficult to maintain houses, and machinery, and our bodies in perfect working order: how easy to let them deteriorate. In fact, all we have to do is nothing, and everything deteriorates, collapses, breaks down, wears out, all by itself -- and that is what the second law is all about.” Isaac Asimov, Smithsonian Institute Journal, June 1970, p. 6
