Equilibrium is the state approached in a mixture of clay paticles and water whereby there will be no difference in density per unit volume. Entropy is the measure of the disorder in a system of clay , water and colorant, manifesting particularily in the design. This change occurs at the surface and is effected by temperature, humidity, air movement, and surface area and is ongoing as long as there is free water in the system. Differences in density of the inner and outer surfaces occur due to moisture loss. In the physical sciences there are only four changes that can be directly measured.
Force is that which tends to change the state of motion of the clay.
There can be no change without force. In ceramics, forces are physical and chemical. Nature usually applies force as heat. Steady State is the process for a system of given mass whereby there is a constant exchange of new material such that the system mass remains constant. As moisture is drawn from within to the clay body's surface, the piece becomes drier and stress will be imposed on the system.