Second Law of Thermodynamics
Definition
The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in any natural process, the total entropy (disorder) always increases for an isolated system. This means that systems tend to move towards a state with higher randomness and less usable energy.
Analogy
Imagine cleaning your room. No matter how hard you try, your room will naturally become messy again over time if you don't put effort into maintaining it. Similarly, without external intervention, systems tend to become more disordered and less organized.
Related terms
Entropy Increase: Refers to the increase in disorder or randomness within a system.
Irreversibility: Describes processes that cannot be undone and result in an overall increase in entropy.
Heat Engine Efficiency: A measure of how effectively heat is converted into useful work within a thermodynamic system.
"Second Law of Thermodynamics" appears in:
Subjects (4)
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Practice Questions (2)
- What the main concept described by the Second Law of Thermodynamics?
- What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state regarding energy transformations?
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