Entropy has sometimes been described as "time's arrow" because it is the property that determines the forward direction of time. Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Entropy, often associated with the degree of disorder in a system, always increases in an isolated system according to the second law of thermodynamics. This principle leads to the concept of the 'arrow of time', as it seems to point from past (lower entropy) to future (higher entropy). Thus, entropy is described as 'time's arrow', implying it determines the forward direction of time.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Concept of Entropy

Entropy in thermodynamics is a measure of the number of specific ways in which a system may be arranged, often taken to be a measure of 'disorder' (the higher the entropy, the higher the disorder). It's a fundamental principle underlying the second law of thermodynamics, stating that total entropy of an isolated system always increases or remains constant; it never decreases.
02

Recognize the Connection Between Entropy and Time

According to the second law of thermodynamics, physical processes in an isolated system progress in the direction of increasing entropy. Therefore, natural processes are more likely to move towards a state of higher entropy rather than lower, making it appear as if time only moves forward.
03

Explain Entropy as Time's Arrow

Entropy gives us the 'arrow of time'. Since an isolated system progresses towards higher entropy, it gives us a sense of direction – from past (lower entropy) to future (higher entropy), thus, acting like an arrow pointing towards future or higher entropy. This is why entropy is associated with the forward direction of time – because the increase in entropy and the forward movement of time usually coincide in everyday experiences, making it look like entropy determines the direction of time.

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