The Nature of Energetics

Abstract

The second law of thermodynamics states that in a closed system, that is, one isolated from its surroundings, the entropy or randomness of the components of a reaction must always increase. This simple law has led to all kinds of misconceptions about living things; it has even been used to argue that life has special properties that place it outside of normal chemical reactions, and furthermore to indicate that evolution is impossible. The fallacy of this argument lies in the fact that life is not a closed system but must at all times interact with its environment to obtain energy, not only to grow, but also to maintain its complex structure. Without this constant supply of energy in the form of light, reduced inorganic or organic food, an organism would clearly be seen to obey the second law and rapidly disintegrate into randomness.