second law entropy decrease isolated system fluctuations

Entropy can briefly decrease by chance

The second law of thermodynamics describes what is overwhelmingly likely, not something that can never be broken for a moment. A small isolated system can briefly move toward lower entropy by chance, but large decreases become extraordinarily unlikely.

Some bridges can build themselves outward over empty space

A cantilever bridge can be built outward from its supports one section at a time. The part already built holds up the next section, so builders often do not need temporary supports rising from the ground or water below.

Earth's North Magnetic Pole acts like a magnetic south pole

The north-pointing end of a compass is attracted toward Earth's North Magnetic Pole because opposite magnetic poles attract. The pole is called north because of where it is on Earth, but magnetically it behaves like a south pole.

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second law entropy decrease isolated system fluctuations

Entropy can briefly decrease by chance

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