Disorder

Definition

Disorder in thermodynamics refers to the randomness or chaos within a system. It is closely associated with entropy, which quantifies this randomness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Entropy is a measure of disorder; higher entropy means greater disorder.
2. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.
3. In microscopic terms, disorder increases as particles have more possible microstates to occupy.
4. Disorder tends to increase naturally in any spontaneous process.
5. Thermodynamic equilibrium is reached when disorder or entropy is maximized.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of disorder relate to entropy?
• What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics say about the change in disorder over time?
• Why does increasing particle microstates lead to increased disorder?

Related terms

Entropy:

A quantitative measure of disorder or randomness within a system, often denoted by $S$.

Microstates: Specific detailed configurations that a system can occupy at the microscopic level.

Thermodynamic Equilibrium:

A state where macroscopic properties do not change over time and entropy is maximized.