Second law of thermodynamics (concept)

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in an isolated system, entropy, or disorder, tends to increase over time. This means energy naturally disperses, moving from organized forms to more spread-out, less useful states. For example, heat flows from hot to cold objects until thermal equilibrium is reached. This law explains why processes like mixing things or wearing out happen spontaneously and why perpetual motion machines are impossible. Essentially, it highlights the tendency toward increased disorder and the irreversible nature of many natural processes.