Part 5/11:
Entropy is intricately linked to the passage of time, often referred to as the "arrow of time." Because entropy can only increase or remain constant, the directionality of time aligns with this increase. The universe began in a state of low entropy and follows a trajectory toward higher entropy, establishing a connection between the idea of time and the thermodynamic principle.
For instance, when observing a cooling cup of coffee, we see this connection firsthand—the hotter the coffee, the faster it cools. This variation in cooling rates serves as a metaphor for time's passage: moments feel longer in one context and shorter in another. Ultimately, entropy is not just a measure of disorder; it’s a gauge for understanding both cosmic and subjective experiences of time.