Second law of thermodynamics
From CreationWiki, the encyclopedia of creation science
In simple terms, the Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the entropy of a closed system will always increase, and a local decrease in entropy in an open system always results in a larger increase in external entropy.
Contents |
Stastistics and Entropy
When entropy is examined statistically it can be considered as a measure of randomness. The more random a system is, the more disordered it is. The formula for statistical entropy is:
S is entropy.
k is the Boltzmann Constant = 
is the number of equivalent equally probable configurations. This is a direct measurement of disorder.
Random or disordered systems have such a significantly higher number of equivalent equally probable configurations, that they can basically be considered inevitable. Entropy is not the same as disorder, but entropy is logarithmically related to disorder. Entropy can be considered a measurement of disorder in the way that the Richter Scale is a measurement of earthquakes or decibels are a measurement of sound.
Evolution and the Second Law of Thermodynamics
The theory of evolution requires some extremely large increases in order and therefore an extremely large decrease in entropy. Order from chaos requires energy to be applied to the system in an organized manner. The problem for evolution is that it lacks a mechanism for applying energy in an organized manner, and this is particularly the case with regard to the origin of life.
Related References
- J Philip Bromberg, Physical Chemistry, 1984, pg. 690
- Entropy on Wikipedia
See Also
- Thermodynamic Arguments For Creation
- Thomas Kindell
- Seattle Creation Conference
- Evolution needs an energy conversion mechanism to utilize energy Response to Talk.origins
- 2nd law of thermodynamics applies to information theory Response to Talk.Origins
