Express the second law of thermodynamics as a mathematical equation. (Select all that apply.)
For a reversible process, ÄSuniverse = 0.
For a spontaneous process, ÄSuniverse > 0.
For a spontaneous process, ÄSuniverse = 0.
For a reversible process, ÄSuniverse < 0.
For a spontaneous process, ÄSuniverse < 0.
For a reversible process, ÄSuniverse > 0.
Look at 1 and 2. Check those out and see if one or both meet the criteria.
The second law of thermodynamics states that for any spontaneous process, the total entropy of the universe always increases. Mathematically, the second law of thermodynamics can be expressed in terms of the change in entropy (ΔS):
For a spontaneous process, ΔSuniverse > 0.
This means that the entropy of the universe increases during a spontaneous process.
On the other hand, for a reversible process, the entropy change of the universe is zero:
For a reversible process, ΔSuniverse = 0.
Reversible processes are idealized scenarios in which the system and its surroundings can be returned to their initial state without leaving any traces. In this case, there is no net change in the entropy of the universe.
Therefore, the correct expressions for the second law of thermodynamics as mathematical equations are:
For a spontaneous process, ΔSuniverse > 0.
For a reversible process, ΔSuniverse = 0.