HESI A2 Physics Quizlet Related

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Entropy (S) is a thermodynamic property related to the system's disorder. According to the second law of thermodynamics, in a spontaneous process:

  • A. The total entropy of the system and surroundings increases.
  • B. The total entropy of the system and surroundings decreases.
  • C. The total entropy of the system remains constant.
  • D. The total entropy of the surroundings increases, while the system's entropy decreases.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The second law of thermodynamics asserts that the entropy of an isolated system (or the combined system and surroundings) will always increase in a spontaneous process, reflecting an increase in disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is that the total entropy of the system and surroundings increases. Choice B is incorrect because entropy always tends to increase in a spontaneous process, as dictated by the second law of thermodynamics. Choice C is incorrect as entropy typically increases in natural processes. Choice D is incorrect because the second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of the system and surroundings always increases in a spontaneous process.