The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer or transformation, there will always be an increase in the total entropy of a closed system, meaning that systems tend to move toward disorder and randomness over time. This law tells us that certain processes, such as heat flowing from hot to cold objects or the spontaneous expansion of gases, occur naturally and are irreversible. It highlights the directionality of natural processes and the limitations on energy conversion efficiency.
The journey of the Second Law of Thermodynamics began in the early 19th century with the work of French engineer Sadi Carnot. He was curious about improving the efficiency of steam engines, which were vital during the Industrial Revolution. In 1824, Carnot made a groundbreaking discovery: he found an upper limit to the efficiency of … Read more