In this post, we will discuss how we can consider Entropy as Probability. We have already covered entropy (disorder) when we discussed the 2nd law of Thermodynamics.
There is a statistical explanation of entropy that says that the most disorder state is the most probable one. We will present this with the example of the flipping of 2 coins.
Suppose you flip two coins at once. Let’s list the possible outcomes.
We’ll use T=tails and H=heads
One possibility for two tails: TT
One possibility for two heads: HH
Two possibilities for one head and one tail: TH or HT
There are a total of four possible outcomes with a 25% chance of getting two tails and a 25% chance of getting two heads. But there is a 50% chance of getting one head and one tail.
The more organized states (those above with a 25% probability) have a lower probability of occurring.
The most probable outcomes in the natural world are those with the greatest disorder.
A teacup falling and shattering is a disordered state and much more likely to occur than is a shattered teacup reconstructing itself into a more ordered state.
