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, or disorder, of the universe is always increasing. This means that as time goes by, the universe becomes more disordered and less able to do useful work. This law has important implications for everything from energy conversion to the eventual fate of the universe. The other choices (A, C, D, and E) are not the best answer because they do not accurately reflect the second law of thermodynamics.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics Leads Us to Conclude That