Entropy: The second law of thermodynamics leads us to conclude that
A) the total energy of the universe is constant.
B) disorder in the universe is increasing with the passage of time.
C) it is theoretically impossible to convert work into heat with 100% efficiency.
D) the total energy in the universe is increasing with time.
E) the total energy in the universe is decreasing with time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy (disorder) of the universe is increasing with time. This means that things naturally tend to go from a state of order to a state of disorder, and that it takes energy to create order. This idea helps to explain why some things are irreversible, such as heat flowing from a hot object to a cold object, but not from a cold object to a hot object. Choice A is incorrect because the first law of thermodynamics tells us that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. Choice C is a separate concept related to the efficiency of energy conversion. Choice D and E are also incorrect as the total energy in the universe is constant, as per the first law of thermodynamics.

Entropy: the Second Law of Thermodynamics Leads Us to Conclude