172k views
5 votes
If you rub your hands together, does the entropy of the universe increas, decrease, or stay the same

User Dimamah
by
7.3k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

When you rub your hands together, the entropy of the universe increases. This increase in entropy is a result of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that in any energy transfer or transformation, the total entropy of an isolated system will always increase over time.

In this case, when you rub your hands together, you are converting some of the ordered kinetic energy of your hand motion into thermal energy (heat) due to friction. This process increases the randomness and disorder of the particles involved, including the molecules in your skin and the surrounding air. As a result, the overall entropy of the system, which includes your hands, the air, and everything else involved, increases.

So, the act of rubbing your hands together leads to an increase in entropy in the universe, consistent with the second law of thermodynamics.

Step-by-step explanation:

User Alejandro Moreno
by
8.4k points