A Mechanism of the Increase of Entropy in an Isolated Macroscopic System

The law of increase of entropy is one of the most important laws in science but no exact explanation has been given to the origin of it. Statistical thermodynamics only explains it by using Boltzmann's statistical interpretation together with not sufficiently verified assumptions. This paper shows that the increase of entropy in an isolated macroscopic system can be reasonably explained with no assumption based on quantum mechanics if we take into account that microscopic particles such as electrons and atomic nuclei not only move in space but also have the basic quality of spontaneously spreading into every possible spatial position. The present work allows us to give a plausible definition to the entropy of an isolated system by using the Hamiltonian operator and a wave function of it and provides a firm basis for thermodynamics. It also gives a new physical meaning of entropy effective for further studies of irreversible processes in nature.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a reasonable explanation for the increase of entropy in an isolated system by taking into account the spontaneous spreading of microscopic particles, such as electrons and atomic nuclei, into every possible spatial position. By using the Hamiltonian operator and wave function, a plausible definition for the entropy of an isolated system is provided, establishing a solid foundation for thermodynamics. Additionally, the new theory offers a new physical meaning of entropy for further studies on irreversible processes in nature.