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🔋college physics i – introduction review

key term - Second law of thermodynamics

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Definition

The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. It implies that natural processes tend to move towards a state of maximum disorder or entropy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Entropy always increases in an isolated system; it never decreases.
  2. Heat engines cannot be 100% efficient due to unavoidable entropy production.
  3. The second law explains why perpetual motion machines of the second kind are impossible.
  4. A heat engine's efficiency is limited by the temperatures of its heat reservoirs, as described by Carnot's theorem.
  5. The second law can be restated using Kelvin-Planck and Clausius statements.

Review Questions

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