What Happens When the Universe Reaches Maximum Entropy?

In summary, the entropy of the universe always increases and at the point of equilibrium when it reaches maximum disorder, there will be no more available energy to do work.
  • #1
weng cheong
22
0
i was told that entropy of universe always increases.

however i came across this text:

http://docs.google.com/viewer?pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh1KJo5csExQJgKwUMz73aHUhrrMqH0ag-md2J96bzb5pVWlx039lTKCSCXJB3e1Ns2nSgjqYetum_gM-cyJLGX7wLwBmjUB_MJOZEWvtAPKVoKM4gY83lYr1YIfG15wCVHxyYw&q=cache:W_MDM4qrtcAJ:www-teach.ch.cam.ac.uk/teach/IA/EE_student.pdf%20entropy%20decrease%20energy%20level%20spacing&docid=bb4e67973b4eb6ba159edd5a8ed4ff7d&a=bi&pagenumber=19&w=800

so when the entropy reaches maximum at equilibrium, it will decrease?
 
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  • #2
weng cheong said:
i was told that entropy of universe always increases.

however i came across this text:

http://docs.google.com/viewer?pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh1KJo5csExQJgKwUMz73aHUhrrMqH0ag-md2J96bzb5pVWlx039lTKCSCXJB3e1Ns2nSgjqYetum_gM-cyJLGX7wLwBmjUB_MJOZEWvtAPKVoKM4gY83lYr1YIfG15wCVHxyYw&q=cache:W_MDM4qrtcAJ:www-teach.ch.cam.ac.uk/teach/IA/EE_student.pdf%20entropy%20decrease%20energy%20level%20spacing&docid=bb4e67973b4eb6ba159edd5a8ed4ff7d&a=bi&pagenumber=19&w=800

so when the entropy reaches maximum at equilibrium, it will decrease?

The link you've added is broken. The universe always proceeds towards the maximum state of disorder, in other words the energy available to do work always decreases (this is entropy). At some point in the distant future we will reach the point of maximum disorder and nothing will happen forever.
 

FAQ: What Happens When the Universe Reaches Maximum Entropy?

What is entropy and why is it important in understanding the universe?

Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness within a system. In the context of the universe, it is a measure of the amount of energy that is no longer available to do work. It is important because it helps us understand the direction of spontaneous processes and the evolution of the universe.

How does the entropy of the universe change over time?

The entropy of the universe is constantly increasing. This is due to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that in any isolated system (such as the universe), the total entropy always increases or remains constant, but never decreases.

What factors contribute to the increase in entropy of the universe?

There are several factors that contribute to the increase in entropy of the universe. These include the expansion of the universe, the conversion of matter into energy, and the decrease in temperature gradients within the universe.

Can the trend of entropy be reversed?

While the entropy of isolated systems, such as the universe, will always increase, it is possible for local decreases in entropy to occur. For example, life on Earth is able to decrease local entropy through the process of photosynthesis. However, the overall trend of the universe's entropy will continue to increase.

How does the trend of entropy of the universe relate to the concept of the "heat death" of the universe?

The heat death of the universe is a hypothetical state where the universe has reached maximum entropy and can no longer sustain life or any other form of energy. The trend of increasing entropy in the universe supports this concept, as eventually all energy will be evenly distributed and no work can be done. However, it is important to note that the heat death of the universe is a theoretical concept and does not have a specific timeline or guarantee of occurring.

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