Entropy

[matty2670]

Does anyone have a simplified explanation of entropy/the 2nd law of thermodynamics?

[Clanad]

Everything in a closed system runs down with age. Lots of argument on what consitutes a closed system, however...

[fo3nix]

One look at it is disorder.

Brilliant book for thermodynamics:

Thermal Physics, by C B Finn.

[jake-the-peg]

Rather depends on how simplified

I think this is quite good

http://www.ncsu.edu/felder-public/kenny/papers/entropy.html

Is that any good or do you mean something more simplified or more specific?

[jimmer]

entropy is the tendancy for matter to degrade when energy is released. e.g. If you burn a piece of coal it will turn to ash as the stored chemical energy is released. Following this law to its logical conclusion: The universe has finite energy so without an external source to put energy back in, it will eventually reach a state of "inert uniformity" which basically means uselessly random.

jim