The total entropy of a system and its surroundings always increases for a spontaneous process.This is a statement of
A)the third law of thermodynamics.
B)the law of constant composition.
C)the second law of thermodynamics.
D)the law of conservation of matter.
E)the first law of thermodynamics.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement is an expression of the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of a closed system and its surroundings always increases in a spontaneous process. The third law of thermodynamics deals with the behavior of entropy at absolute zero temperature, while the law of constant composition and the law of conservation of matter relate to chemical reactions. The first law of thermodynamics deals with energy conservation.

The Total Entropy of a System and Its Surroundings Always