Entropy has been defined as a probabilistic function of energy spreading and
sharing, and most often this description provides a straightforward way to
conceptualize entropy. It is shown that, more in general, the spreading and sharing of
energy is a common outcome of a physical function levelling down available energy.
The latter, as formulated by a mathematical term called the “Boltzmann factor”,
originates from the equilibration of forces at the microscopic level and is effected by
the net levelling force that results as statistical outcome of all the microscopic forces
and that always pushes the system towards the dynamic equilibrium. This net levelling
force is the rationale for which work can be done at a macroscopic level, and its
derivation from the microscopic world explains why it is linked to equilibration and
therefore to entropy increase.
Keywords: Energy dissipation, Free energy, Gradient equalization, Levelling
function, Living organisms, Macroscopic homogeneity, Microstates
equiprobability, Minimum possible level, Most probable distribution, Spreading
and sharing, Unused heat, Work as change.