Explain Entropy to a 10 year old!
Entropy (S) — The heart of 2nd law of Thermodynamics
Q. How many possible combinations exist for a standard Rubik’s Cube?
A. The potential combinations for a Rubik’s Cube are immense, totalling 43 quintillion (43,252,003,274,489,856,000). This figure surpasses the count of grains of sand on Earth and even the number of stars within our observable universe.
Amid this vast array of combinations, only a solitary arrangement 👇 meets your desired outcome.
In simple terms — any of the 43 quintillion states is “natural” than the one “artificial' state that everyone is chasing at the Rubik’s Cube World Championship Finals.
“Randomness is a natural state while Order is an artificial state that requires a work input “ — the essence of this statement is captured by one sweet word — Entropy!
Randomness constitutes the inherent state of the universe.
Encountering order within this chaos implies deliberate intervention, as evidenced by the example of a perfectly aligned row of trees. In the absence of human intervention, the natural state tends towards disorder, akin to the untamed expanse of a jungle contrasting with the structured precision of an orderly boulevard.
Expanding on the analogy of order and disorder, imagine your messy room versus a neatly organized bookshelf. In your cluttered room, toys and clothes are scattered everywhere, making it difficult to find anything. This chaotic state reflects high entropy, where items are randomly dispersed and disordered. On the other hand, the neatly organized bookshelf showcases low entropy, with each book placed in its designated spot, creating a sense of order and ease of access.
However, it’s important to recognize that a meticulously arranged bookshelf isn’t the default state of affairs — effort has been exerted to establish order. A disorganized bookshelf or room is more in line with the natural order of things.
So, go ahead and share the concept of entropy with your mom!
Now that you have come so far — let me reward you with a few Entropy jokes:
😃Why did the entropy refuse to play cards? Because it always wanted to shuffle itself into disorder!
😃Entropy walked into a bar and ordered a drink. The bartender said, “Sorry, we don’t serve disorderly customers here.” Entropy replied, “That’s alright, I’ll just mix myself in with the ice cubes.”
😃Entropy and his friends were planning a party, but they couldn’t decide on the theme. They finally settled on chaos, because it was the most natural state for them!
😃Entropy decided to go on a diet, but it didn’t last long. It found that disorder was just too tempting!
😃Why did the physicist break up with entropy? Because it always brought too much uncertainty into the relationship!
