What is thermodynamic entropy?
Q: What is thermodynamic entropy?
A: Thermodynamic entropy is a measure of how organized or disorganized energy is present in a system of atoms or molecules. It is measured in joules of energy per unit kelvin.
Q: What does the third law of thermodynamics state?
A: The third law of thermodynamics states that when total entropy is reached, there is no more energy to spend.
Q: What are the two types of "rooms" mentioned in the text?
A: The two types of "rooms" mentioned in the text are an open system and a closed system. An open system means that energy (like heat) can freely flow in and out, while a closed system means that it is closed off from the outside; no energy can go in or out.
Q: How does new energy affect total entropy?
A: New energy decreases total entropy because it allows for more organization within the system. For example, if we place a heater into a room with cold tea, we can use the heat from it to reheat the cup of tea. This brings new energy into the room which decreases its total entropy.
Q: Can you give an example of an open system?
A: A real life example of an open system is Earth as it gets a lot of energy from the Sun every day which allows plants to grow and water to stay liquid.
Q: How does total entropy being reached affect a cup of hot tea?
A: When total entropy has been reached for a cup hot tea, there will be no more heat that can be spread so it will become cold as all its heat moves to surrounding area.
