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Second Law of Thermodynamics

Second Law of Thermodynamics

In the quest to identify a property that may reliably predict the spontaneity of a process, a promising candidate has been identified: entropy. Processes that involve an increase in entropy of the system (ΔS > 0) are very often spontaneous; however, examples to the contrary are plentiful. By expanding consideration of entropy changes to include the surroundings, a significant conclusion regarding the relation between this property and spontaneity may be reached. In thermodynamic models, the...

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Second Law of Thermodynamics

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy, or the amount of disorder in a system, increases each time energy is transferred or transformed. Each energy transfer results in a certain amount of energy that is lost—usually in the form of heat—that increases the disorder of the surroundings. This can also be demonstrated in a classic food web. Herbivores harvest chemical energy from plants and release heat and carbon dioxide into the environment. Carnivores harvest the chemical energy...

Dynamic Equilibrium

Dynamic Equilibrium

A reversible chemical reaction represents a chemical process that proceeds in both forward (left to right) and reverse (right to left) directions. When the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, the concentrations of the reactant and product species remain constant over time and the system is at equilibrium. A special double arrow is used to emphasize the reversible nature of the reaction. The relative concentrations of reactants and products in equilibrium systems vary greatly;...

Stability of Equilibrium Configuration

Stability of Equilibrium Configuration

Understanding the stability of equilibrium configurations is a fundamental part of mechanical engineering. In any system, there are three distinct types of equilibrium: stable, neutral, and unstable.
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Stability of Equilibrium Configuration: Problem Solving

Stability of Equilibrium Configuration: Problem Solving

The stability of equilibrium configurations is an important concept in physics, engineering, and other related fields. In simple terms, it refers to the tendency of an object or system to return to its equilibrium position after being disturbed. The stability of an equilibrium configuration can be analyzed by considering the potential energy function of the system and examining its behavior near the equilibrium point.
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One-Degree-of-Freedom System

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In mechanical engineering, one-degree-of-freedom systems form the basis of a wide range of electrical and mechanical components. Using these models, engineers can predict the behavior of various parts in a larger system, which gives them insight into how different forces interact with each other.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

Published on: December 4, 2017

[Molecular self-organization and multiple equilibrium systems].

F I Ataullakhanov, K S Mel'nik, A A Butylin

|May 9, 2013

Summary

Natural self-organization relies on systems possessing multiple stable states. Without these bi-(multi-)stable states, self-organization cannot occur, suggesting a fundamental requirement for complex system formation.

Area of Science:

Complex Systems Science
Chemical Physics
Biophysics

Context:

Investigates natural self-organizing phenomena across diverse systems.
Examines crystal-like formations, active media, and dissipative structures.
Highlights the commonalities in naturally occurring self-organization.

Purpose:

To compare different types of natural self-organizing systems.
To identify a universal characteristic of these systems.
To propose a hypothesis regarding the necessity of multi-stable states for self-organization.

Summary:

Compared multi-molecular systems, active media, and dissipative structures.
Identified bi-(multi-)stable states as a common feature.
Hypothesized that self-organization requires bi-(multi-)stable states.

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In Vitro Reconstitution of Self-Organizing Protein Patterns on Supported Lipid Bilayers

In Vitro Reconstitution of Self-Organizing Protein Patterns on Supported Lipid Bilayers

Published on: July 28, 2018

Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides

Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides

Published on: November 21, 2013

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids

Published on: December 4, 2017

In Vitro Reconstitution of Self-Organizing Protein Patterns on Supported Lipid Bilayers

In Vitro Reconstitution of Self-Organizing Protein Patterns on Supported Lipid Bilayers

Published on: July 28, 2018

Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides

Formation of Ordered Biomolecular Structures by the Self-assembly of Short Peptides

Published on: November 21, 2013

Impact:

Provides a unifying principle for understanding self-organization.
Suggests a criterion for predicting self-organizing capabilities in systems.
Opens new avenues for research in complex systems and emergent behavior.