On the Transition of a Non-Equilibrium System to an Equilibrium System

TL;DR

This paper emphasizes that the key aspect of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics is the organization of currents, which is essential for reaching maximum entropy in equilibrium, challenging the traditional focus on entropy production.

Contribution

It introduces a new perspective that highlights the organization of currents over entropy production as fundamental to understanding the transition to equilibrium.

Findings

Organization of currents is crucial for equilibrium attainment

Maximum entropy in equilibrium depends on current organization

Challenges the traditional focus on entropy production

Abstract

It is shown that the most important feature of Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics is not the entropy production, but the organization of the currents in order to flow. This is also needed to obtain the maximum entropy in the equilibrium state, as is required by Equilibrium Thermodynamics.