3
$\begingroup$

Why does disorder (entropy) increase in the same direction of time. as that in which the universe expands?

Why can't entropy decrease in the same direction in which it increases ?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ The notions of "time" and "direction of time" are just abstractions. They are normally very useful, but in this question they just obfuscate the matter. We don't see time, we don't measure time, we measure only speed. Please edit the question to leave out "time". $\endgroup$
    – kubanczyk
    Commented Nov 10, 2016 at 9:05
  • $\begingroup$ @kubanczyk Rather than editing the question to leave out time, I think a good answer would explain why time is a distraction here. $\endgroup$
    – called2voyage ♦
    Commented Nov 15, 2016 at 19:57

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2
$\begingroup$

Entropy is the only quantity in the physical sciences that requires a particular direction for time, sometimes called an arrow of time. As one goes "forward" in time, the second law of thermodynamics says, the entropy of an isolated system can increase, but not decrease, Universe can seen as one big isolated system in which total energy is always constant. Hence, from one perspective, entropy measurement is a way of distinguishing the past from the future. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entropy_(arrow_of_time) - wiki for relation between time and entropy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=870y6GUKbwc - Basics of entropy.

Highest state of entropy is achieved when the system is in equilibrium, to have this equilibrium, energy entities (mass and other energy radiating sources) should be enough apart from each other that no more energy interaction(give and take) could happen and energy is distributed evenly in the universe, thus expansion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZTb6sfHEX8- Will the Universe expand forever https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26_GN-uL4Jc - The Laws of Thermodynamics and Fate of The Universe

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .