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All questions of Second law of thermodynamics for ACT Exam

At 0 K, fluids are assumed to have
Select one:
  • a)
    maximum entropy
  • b)
    minimum entropy
  • c)
    fixed value of entropy
  • d)
    zero entropy
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vedika Singh answered
Entropy is the measurement of Randomness of a System. Increase in thermal energy increases the randomness and hence Entropy. Now decreasing the temperature of a fluid results in decrease in it's thermal energy which decreases the randomness of the system which in turn decreases the entropy of the fluid. Now there is a finite randomness at normal temperature in the fluid and as we proceed from a higher temperature to a lower temperature the randomness decreases so does the entropy. After continuing this process when we reach 0K further no thermal energy can be extracted from the fluid and hence the system can be said to be completely ordered and as the system is ordered (i.e zero randomness) the entropy is assumed to be zero.

All natural processes are irreversible. This is a direct consequence of.
Select one:
  • a)
    Second law of thermodynamics
  • b)
    First law of thermodynamics
  • c)
    Third law of thermodynamics
  • d)
    Gibb’s paradox
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

An irreversible processes increases the entropy of the universe. However, because entropy is a state function, the change in entropy of the system is same whether the process is reversible or irreversible.
All the natural processes are irreversible. This irreversibility results from the fact that if a thermodynamic system, which is any system of  sufficient complexity, of interacting molecules is brought from one thermodynamic state to another, the configuration or arrangement of the atoms and molecules in the system will change in a which that is not easily predictable. During this transformation, there will be a certain amount of heat energy loss or dissipation due to intermolecular friction and collision, energy  that will not be recoverable if the process is reversed.
The correct answer is: Second law of thermodynamics

The condition for the reversibility of a cycle is.
Select one or more:
  • a)
    All the processes taking place in the cycle of operation, must be extremely slow
  • b)
    The pressure and temperature of working substance must not differ, appreciably from those of the surroundings at any stage in the process
  • c)
    The working parts of the engine must be friction free
  • d)
    There should be no loss of energy during the cycle of operation
Correct answer is option 'A,B,C,D'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahil Kapoor answered
All the four options given above are necessary for reversibility of a cycle
The correct answers are: The pressure and temperature of working substance must not differ, appreciably from those of the surroundings at any stage in the process, All the processes taking place in the cycle of operation, must be extremely slow, The working parts of the engine must be friction free, There should be no loss of energy during the cycle of operation

The area of the Carnot cycle on a T-S diagram represents
Select one:
  • a)
    heat absorbed from the source
  • b)
    efficiency of the engine
  • c)
    work done in a cycle
  • d)
    heat rejected to the sink
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Pie Academy answered
 The total area under top side of rectangle is total heat absorbed. The area under bottom side is total heat released. The area inside the rectangle is total heat absorbed- total heat released = total work done in a cycle.”

The entropy of an isolated system
Select one:
  • a)
    the entropy of non-isolated system always increases
  • b)
    entropy of an isolated system increases in an irreversible process
  • c)
    remains unchanged in an irreversible process
  • d)
    remains unchanged in any process
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vedika Singh answered
The entropy of an isolated system increases in an irreversible process
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system never decreases because isolated systems always evolve toward thermodynamic equilibrium, a state with maximum entropy.
Hence the entropy of an isolated system increases in an irreversible process.

According to Carnot’s theorem.
Select one or more:
  • a)
    Efficiency of Carnot engine solely depends upon working substance employed
  • b)
    Efficiency of a Carnot engine solely depends on hot and cold temperature reservoirs
  • c)
    Carnot engine has the maximum possible efficiency
  • d)
    Carnot’s engine can have efficiency equal to 1
Correct answer is option 'B,C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahil Kapoor answered
Efficiency of Carnot engine doesn’t depend on working substance and its efficiency is always less than unity.
The correct answers are: Efficiency of a Carnot engine solely depends on hot and cold temperature reservoirs, Carnot engine has the maximum possible efficiency

T-S diagram for a Carnot’s cycle is
Select one:
  • a)
    quadrilateral types but not rectangle
  • b)
    circle
  • c)
    ellipse
  • d)
    rectangle
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Ananya Singh answered
The T-S (temperature-entropy) diagram for a Carnot cycle is a graph that shows the changes in temperature and entropy of a working fluid as it undergoes a Carnot cycle.

In a Carnot cycle, the working fluid is initially at a high temperature and pressure (state 1), then undergoes an isothermal expansion process (state 2), followed by an adiabatic expansion process (state 3), then an isothermal compression process (state 4), and finally an adiabatic compression process back to the initial state (state 1).

The T-S diagram for a Carnot cycle consists of two isothermal lines (horizontal lines) and two adiabatic lines (curved lines). The isothermal lines represent the isothermal processes, where the temperature of the working fluid remains constant. The adiabatic lines represent the adiabatic processes, where there is no heat transfer to or from the working fluid.

The diagram starts at state 1, where the working fluid is at a high temperature and pressure. From state 1 to state 2, the working fluid undergoes an isothermal expansion process, represented by a horizontal line at the high temperature. The entropy of the working fluid increases as it expands.

From state 2 to state 3, the working fluid undergoes an adiabatic expansion process, represented by a curved line. The temperature of the working fluid decreases, and the entropy continues to increase.

From state 3 to state 4, the working fluid undergoes an isothermal compression process, represented by a horizontal line at the low temperature. The entropy of the working fluid decreases as it is compressed.

Finally, from state 4 back to state 1, the working fluid undergoes an adiabatic compression process, represented by a curved line. The temperature of the working fluid increases, and the entropy continues to decrease.

The T-S diagram for a Carnot cycle forms a rectangle shape in the T-S plane, with the two isothermal lines at the top and bottom and the two adiabatic lines on the sides. The area enclosed by the cycle represents the net work done by the working fluid during the cycle.

Kelvin-Plank’s law deals with
Select one:
  • a)
    conservation of heat
  • b)
    conversion of heat into work
  • c)
    conservation of energy
  • d)
    conservation of mass
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Kunal Goyal answered
Kelvin-Plank statement of the second law of thermodynamics states that it is impossible to devise a cyclically operating device, the sole effect of which is to absorb energy in the form of heat from a single thermal reservoir and to deliver an equivalent amount of work.
The correct answer is: conversion of heat into work

For any process, the second law of thermodynamics requires that the change of entropy of the universe be.
Select one or more:
  • a)
    positive
  • b)
    zero
  • c)
    negative
  • d)
    none
Correct answer is option 'A,B'. Can you explain this answer?

Palak Singh answered
In reversible processes, change in entropy is zero but in irreversible process, change in entropy is positive. So, for any process, the change of entropy of the universe will be positive or zero.
The correct answers are: positive, zero

Out of three Carnot engines, operating between reservoir temperature of (a) 400K and 500K (b) 600K and 800K (c) 800K and 1000K, which has/have the lowest thermal efficiency?
Select one or more:
  • a)
    all have same efficiency
  • b)
    a
  • c)
    c
  • d)
    b
Correct answer is option 'A,C'. Can you explain this answer?

Manish Bajaj answered
Understanding Carnot Efficiency
The thermal efficiency of a Carnot engine is determined by the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs according to the formula:
Efficiency (η) = 1 - (T_c / T_h)
where T_h is the temperature of the hot reservoir and T_c is the temperature of the cold reservoir.
Evaluating Each Engine
1. Engine A:
- Hot Reservoir (T_h) = 500K
- Cold Reservoir (T_c) = 400K
- Efficiency (η_a) = 1 - (400 / 500) = 1 - 0.8 = 0.2 or 20%
2. Engine B:
- Hot Reservoir (T_h) = 800K
- Cold Reservoir (T_c) = 600K
- Efficiency (η_b) = 1 - (600 / 800) = 1 - 0.75 = 0.25 or 25%
3. Engine C:
- Hot Reservoir (T_h) = 1000K
- Cold Reservoir (T_c) = 800K
- Efficiency (η_c) = 1 - (800 / 1000) = 1 - 0.8 = 0.2 or 20%
Comparing Efficiencies
- Engine A Efficiency: 20%
- Engine B Efficiency: 25%
- Engine C Efficiency: 20%
Conclusion
- Engines A and C both have the lowest thermal efficiency at 20%.
- Therefore, the correct answers indicating the engines with the lowest efficiency are B (Engine A) and C (Engine C).
This illustrates that not only do the temperature ranges influence efficiency, but in this case, both engines A and C yield the same lower efficiency compared to engine B.

Which of the following is a property of entropy?
Select one or more:
  • a)
    Entropy increases during an irreversible operation
  • b)
    Net change in entropy in a reversible cycle is zero
  • c)
    Change in entropy during an adiabatic operation is zero
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?

Palak Singh answered
From second law of thermodynamics, (a) and (b) are true.
In adiabatic process, dQ = 0
⇒ dS = 0, hence (c) is also true.
The correct answers are: Entropy increases during an irreversible operation   , Net change in entropy in a reversible cycle is zero, Change in entropy during an adiabatic operation is zero

The temperature of the surface of the sun is approximately 6000K. It we take a big lens and focus the sun rays and produce a temperature of 8000K. This will violate
Select one:
  • a)
    Second law
  • b)
    Zeroth law
  • c)
    First law
  • d)
    Third law
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Ishaan Kapoor answered
Violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in any isolated system, the total entropy (or disorder) will always increase over time. This law is often associated with the concept of heat transfer, which involves the flow of energy from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. Let's see how the given scenario violates this law:

1. Temperature of the Sun
The temperature of the surface of the Sun is approximately 6000K. This temperature represents the thermal equilibrium of the Sun, where the energy generated from nuclear fusion reactions in its core is balanced by the energy radiated away from its surface. It is an equilibrium state.

2. Focusing Sun Rays
If we use a big lens to focus the sun rays, we can increase the intensity of the light falling on a specific area. This can indeed raise the temperature of the focused spot. In this case, the temperature is stated to be 8000K.

3. Violation
By focusing the sun rays to produce a temperature of 8000K, we are essentially creating a region with a higher temperature than the surface of the Sun itself. This violates the Second Law of Thermodynamics because heat naturally flows from regions of higher temperature to regions of lower temperature. In this case, we are creating a condition where heat would need to flow from the region with a higher temperature (8000K) to the region with a lower temperature (6000K), which contradicts the natural flow of heat.

Conclusion
In summary, the scenario presented violates the Second Law of Thermodynamics because it creates a situation where heat would flow in the opposite direction of its natural tendency, from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. This violation contradicts the fundamental principle of the Second Law, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system will always increase over time.

In a reversible process, entropy of the system.
Select one:
  • a)
    increases
  • b)
    remains constant
  • c)
    zero
  • d)
    decreases
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Juhi Sen answered
Second law of thermodynamics can be stated as :
“The total entropy of an isolated system that undergoes a change can never decrease.” Furthermore if  the process is irreversible, then the total entropy of an isolated system always increases. In a reversible process, the total entropy of an isolated system remains constant.
The correct answer is: remains constant

An electric current of 3A flows through a resistance of 10 ohm. It is being cooled by running water and is kept at temperature 300K, change in entropy per second of the resistance :
Select one:
  • a)
    No change
  • b)
    4 joule deg-1
  • c)
    0.3 joule deg-1
  • d)
    3 joule deg-1
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Aisha Sharma answered
Explanation:
The entropy change of an object can be calculated using the formula:

ΔS = Q/T

where ΔS is the change in entropy, Q is the heat transfer, and T is the temperature.

In this scenario, the resistance is being cooled by running water, which means that heat is being transferred from the resistance to the water. The heat transfer can be calculated using the formula:

Q = I^2R

where I is the electric current and R is the resistance.

Calculating the heat transfer:
Using the given values, we can calculate the heat transfer as follows:

Q = (3A)^2 * 10Ω
Q = 9A^2 * 10Ω
Q = 90 joules

Calculating the change in entropy:
Now we can calculate the change in entropy using the formula:

ΔS = Q/T

Substituting the values, we get:

ΔS = 90 joules / 300K
ΔS = 0.3 joule deg-1

Conclusion:
The change in entropy per second of the resistance is 0.3 joule deg-1. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A', which states that there is no change in entropy.

Entropy does not remains constant in which of the following processes?
Select one or more:
  • a)
    Isothermal process
  • b)
    Isobaric process
  • c)
    Cyclic process
  • d)
    Adiabatic process
Correct answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?

Devan Desai answered
Understanding Entropy in Thermodynamic Processes
Entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system, and its behavior varies across different thermodynamic processes. Let's explore why entropy does not remain constant in the following processes:
Isothermal Process
- In an isothermal process, the temperature remains constant while heat is transferred into or out of the system.
- As heat is absorbed or released, the entropy of the system changes because entropy is directly related to heat transfer at a given temperature.
- Therefore, in an isothermal process, the entropy does not remain constant.
Isobaric Process
- An isobaric process occurs at a constant pressure. During this process, heat is added or removed, leading to changes in the volume of the system.
- Similar to the isothermal process, the heat transfer affects the entropy, resulting in an increase or decrease in disorder.
- Thus, in an isobaric process, entropy does not remain constant.
Cyclic Process
- A cyclic process involves the system returning to its initial state after a series of changes. Although the overall change in internal energy and enthalpy is zero, the individual steps can involve heat exchange.
- Since entropy can change during each step of the cycle, it does not remain constant throughout the process, even if the net change over one complete cycle is zero.
Adiabatic Process
- In an adiabatic process, there is no heat exchange with the surroundings (Q = 0).
- If the process is reversible, the entropy of the system remains constant, as no energy is added or removed in the form of heat.
- Therefore, in a reversible adiabatic process, entropy does remain constant.
Conclusion
In summary, the processes where entropy does not remain constant are:
- Isothermal Process
- Isobaric Process
- Cyclic Process
In contrast, in an adiabatic process, entropy can remain constant if the process is reversible.

Which of the following statements are correct?
Select one or more:
  • a)
    The increase in entropy is obtained from a given quantity of heat at a low temperature
  • b)
    The change in entropy may be regarded as a measure of the rate of the availability of heat for transformation into work.
  • c)
    The entropy represents the maximum amount of work obtainable per degree drop in temperature
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?

Niti Mukherjee answered
(a, b, c) are all different definitions associated with the entropy and are thus all correct
The correct answers are: The increase in entropy is obtained from a given quantity of heat at a low temperature, The change in entropy may be regarded as a measure of the rate of the availability of heat for transformation into work., The entropy represents the maximum amount of work obtainable per degree drop in temperature

The main cause of irreversibility is/are.
Select one or more:
  • a)
    mechanical and fluid friction
  • b)
    unrestricted expansion
  • c)
    heat transfer with a finite temperature difference
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A,B,C'. Can you explain this answer?

Sahil Kapoor answered
All the 3 options (a, b & c) results in the loss of heat and thus, result in irreversibility.
The correct answers are: mechanical and fluid friction, unrestricted expansion, heat transfer with a finite temperature difference 

Change in entropy depends
Select one:
  • a)
    on transfer of mass
  • b)
    only on the transfer of heat
  • c)
    only on change in temperature
  • d)
    on the thermodynamic state
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Stuti Patel answered
Entropy is a measure of the number of microscopic configurations that a thermodynamic system can have when in a state as specified by some macroscopic variable.
The correct answer is: on the thermodynamic state

An amount of heat Q is transferred from a heat reservoir at temperature TA to another heat reservoir at temperature TB. What is the change in the entropy Δs of the combined system?
Select one:
  • a)
  • b)
  • c)
  • d)
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Conventionally, heat given to the system is taken to be positive and heat extracted from the system is taken to be negative.
When heat is changed in the system entropy changed by an amount,
∴ For A 
Similarly for B,  
ΔS = ΔSA + ΔSB

The correct answer is: 

For a reversible cyclic process, the value of  is.
Select one:
  • a)
    always equal to zero
  • b)
    always positive
  • c)
    either positive or negative
  • d)
    always negative
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

For a reversible cycle process just like the Carnot engine, 
This is because any reversible cycle can be represented as a series of miniature Carnot cycle.
The correct answer is: always equal to zero

Which of the following is a property of entropy?
Select one:
  • a)
    Entropy increases during an irreversible operation
  • b)
    Net change in entropy in reversible cycle is zero
  • c)
    Change in entropy during an adiabatic operation is zero
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Taanya Patel answered
Entropy and its properties

Entropy is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics that measures the amount of disorder or randomness in a system. It is denoted by the symbol S and is a state function, meaning its value depends only on the current state of the system and not on how the system arrived at that state.

Entropy has several important properties that help us understand its behavior in various thermodynamic processes. The correct answer to the given question is option 'D', which states that all of the following properties of entropy are true:

1. Entropy increases during an irreversible operation:
During an irreversible process, the entropy of the system and its surroundings always increases. This is known as the second law of thermodynamics, which states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease. Irreversible processes are characterized by a lack of equilibrium, and they generate more disorder in the system.

2. Net change in entropy in a reversible cycle is zero:
In a reversible process or cycle, the system undergoes a series of changes that can be reversed without leaving any trace. In such cases, the entropy change of the system is zero because the system returns to its initial state. However, the entropy change of the surroundings may not be zero, as the surroundings may experience a change in entropy due to heat exchange with the system.

3. Change in entropy during an adiabatic operation is zero:
An adiabatic process is one in which no heat is exchanged between the system and its surroundings. In such cases, the change in entropy of the system is zero because there is no heat transfer to affect the disorder of the system. However, it is important to note that the work done on or by the system can still change the entropy.

Conclusion:
Entropy is a property of a system that has several important properties. It increases during irreversible operations, the net change in entropy is zero for reversible cycles, and the change in entropy is zero during adiabatic operations. These properties help us understand the behavior of entropy in thermodynamic processes and are fundamental to the second law of thermodynamics.

The T-S diagram of two cycles for the operation of an engine are shown in figure below.


The numerical values of the parameters T1 , T2 , S1 and S2 in the two figures are the same. Which cycle has greater efficiency?
Select one:
  • a)
    First
  • b)
    Second
  • c)
    Both have equal efficiency
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Anushka Chavan answered
Efficiency 
Available energy per cycle is = Q1 – Q2
 = Area of curve ABC
Q1 = Total area of curve (ABCD)
⇒ Area of curve is same for both figures, but total area is more for figure 1.
⇒ 
Hence, second figure, has greater efficiency
The correct answer is: Second

In an irreversible process, the entropy of the universe.
Select one:
  • a)
    decreases
  • b)
    increases
  • c)
    sometime increases sometimes decreases
  • d)
    remains constant
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Sneha Menon answered
When dealing with a system that is not isolated from its surroundings, remember that the increase in entropy described in the second law is that of the system and its surroundings. When a system and its surrounding interact in an irreversible process, the increase in entropy of one is greater than the decrease in entropy of the other. Hence, we conclude that the change in entropy of the universe must be greater than zero for an irreversible process and equal to zero for a reversible process.
The correct answer is: increases

The T–S diagram of two cycles for the operation of an engine are shown in figure below.


The numerical values of the parameters T1 , T2 , S1 and S2 in the two figures are the same, then which cycle has greater efficiency?
Select one:
  • a)
    First
  • b)
    Second
  • c)
    Both have equal efficience
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Efficiency  

For curve


Available energy per cycle is
Q1 – Q2 = Area of curve (ABC)
Q1 = Total area of curve (ABED)
⇒ Area of curve is same for both figures, but total area is more for Fig. 1.

Hence, second figure has greater efficiency.
The correct answer is: Second

An ideal gas has temperature T1 at the initial state i shown in the p-V diagram here. The gas has a higher temperature T2 at final states a and b, which it can reach along the path shown. The entropy change along the path to state a is

Select one:
  • a)
    smaller than b
  • b)
    zero
  • c)
    same as that along b
  • d)
    larger than b
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Kunal Goyal answered
From i to a and i to b, change in temperature is same, hence dU remains same for both the processes. But i to a is isochoric process, hence work done is zero.
⇒ heat gained in process a is smaller, hence the entropy change along the pathto state a is smaller than b.
The correct answer is: smaller than b

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