๐Ÿงชap chemistry review

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy, or disorder, in an isolated system can only increase over time. It also states that heat cannot spontaneously flow from a colder location to a hotter area.

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