Entropy: The Second Law of Thermodynamics
Entropy is intrinsic within the laws of nature and physics. It can be described as thus: that the order of things within the world, deteriorates over a period of time. In fact, the universe, as we know it – according to many physicists – is heading toward maximum entropy. That is to say that everything that is within the universe will attain a ‘uniform temperature’.
So, therefore, entropy can be described as a kind of quantitative measure of disorder. The law of entropy is the gradual disorder of things within the world and the universe as a whole. What was once new begins to deteriorate over a period of time until it ceases to exist. This is the law of nature, and it happens to everything that we see – including us. However, there are many physicists who believe that e entropy and the aging process are two different things, when it comes to biological bodies.
The random changes within our bodies, as we continue to live is, some physicists believe, the cause of entropy. Cell damage within us accumulates to such an extent because of its interaction with the environment around us. In fact, there are many others who believe that the aging process, and entropy can be looked upon as two different things.
However, if there are those who believe that it is entropy that works within biological bodies, it is then known as ‘body enthropy’. This means that it has a direct effect on our cell structures. Indeed, how we then treat our bodies, has a direct bearing on how fast or slow entropy will work on us. If we smoke, or are obese through fatty foods, we lack exercise, we drink too much alcohol and generally do not look after our bodies, then entropy will begin to work faster on us.
The same is true if we happen to look after our bodies, and we eat good, fresh healthy foods, combined with exercise. Doing this does not stop entropy, but what it does achieve is a slow-down in entropy itself. However, there is confusion about entropy, even from leading scientists and physicists.
This is because entropy can be understood to be a condition of ‘randomness’ and ‘chaos’ {in which even that, in itself, has a kind of ‘organised mess’ to it.] However, in stating that fact, within science there are numerous definitions about just what entropy is. So, one could look at entropy as being, ‘disordered’ and, ‘chaotic’, in which there are numerous ways in how a system can be arranged. {such as a star system, or the system within the human body.} This would be likened to the roll of the dice {one never quite knows on what numbers the dice will fall.} Another word for this is ‘probability’ and ‘chance’. This is what is known as a chaotic system.
Entropy can also be known as ‘Uncertainty’. That is to say that if there are a number of ways in which a system can be arranged, it then makes it harder to predict how the state of the system will turn out.
The ‘Randomness’ of entropy is also recognised here. Again, if there are numerous variations within a system, it means that there are more ways in which that system can be arranged. Measuring the system can lead to randomness. Each measurement will give you a different result altogether – if there are different states. However, if there are different states, then the more there is, the more randomness appears within those states.
The list can go on, in reference to entropy. Below, are some of the references connected with entropy.
Entropy {and the arrow of time} Increasing entropy can only move in one direction until it reaches ‘equilibrium.’ This is an irreversible process and is known as the ‘arrow of time’.
Entropy {and the aging process.} Biological systems {such as human beings, animals, fish and plant life} are all interconnected with our environment we happen to be in. Because of this, we are also constantly interacting within our own environment. An example of this is when we take in food and drink {which are classed as new objects and energy.} Because our bodies renew themselves all the time, the normal laws of entropy do not apply to biological systems. This is because it is genetics that seem to control the aging process.
Entropy, exists, and is a fundamental part of the world and the universe around us. By having a basic understanding of entropy, and of how entropy works upon different systems and biological matter, we are able to maybe understand a little more about entropy and about ‘randomness’. We are able to understand how, even randomness, is able to cause a kind of ‘organised mess’ {chaos} when it works upon systems.
Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
