Note on the nature of the transition between a system in an equilibrium state and a system in a non-equilibrium state (and vice-versa)

TL;DR

This paper discusses the transition between equilibrium and non-equilibrium states, emphasizing the role of organized currents and entropy production in this process.

Contribution

It highlights the importance of the disappearance of organized currents, not just entropy production, as key to transitioning to equilibrium.

Findings

Organized currents vanish during the transition to equilibrium.

Disappearance of organized currents is essential for maximum entropy.

Entropy production diminishes as the system reaches equilibrium.

Abstract

The transition from a non-equilibrium state to an equilibrium state is characterized not only by the disappearance of the entropy production, but mainly by the disappearance of the organized currents, due to the gradients present in a non-equilibrium system. Their disappearance is necessary to obtain maximum entropy in the equilibrium state.