Can entropy change without heat and entropy exist without time and can life exist without entropy?
Although entropy change is defined in terms of a reversible differential transfer of heat divided by the temperature at which the heat is transferred, you can have entropy change without heat transfer. The most important conclusion of this definition is that entropy, being a state function, is not a function of time. Entropy does not change with time, and entropy does not have a tendency to increase. It is very common to say that entropy increases towards its maximum at equilibrium and entropy also tends to grow within those structures. This makes entropy, or its absence, a key player in sustaining cosmic structures, such as stars and life; therefore, an early lifeless universe with low entropy is necessary for life here on Earth
The usual isothermal form of Gibbs equation is useful in this consideration:
DG= DH+TDS.
Where DG is the change in Gibbs free energy
DH is the change in enthalpy and DS the entropy change.
This shows that even if DH = 0 an entropy change can occur if the free energy alters.
Life seems to be a set of chemical and physical processes so surely must depend upon entropic changes, even if only in a numerical sense.
Life requires a constant input of energy to maintain order, and without energy the complex structures of living systems would not exist. The steady flow of energy necessary to sustain a living system increases entropy. Living organisms preserve their internal order by taking from their surroundings free energy, in the form of nutrients or sunlight, and returning to their surroundings an equal amount of energy as heat and entropy. Entropy also tends to grow within those structures. This makes entropy, or its absence, a key player in sustaining cosmic structures, such as stars and life; therefore, an early lifeless universe with low entropy is necessary for life here on Earth. Living organisms, usually cope with entropy, because they take energy into the body in the form of food, whereas in the case of plants, in the form of photosynthesis, and at the same time, during this process, some energy is given out, or some energy may be wasted. Although entropy change is defined in terms of a reversible differential transfer of heat divided by the temperature at which the heat is transferred, you can have entropy change without heat transfer.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Organizational Psychology
- Training