One kilogram of water at room temperature is brought into contact with...
For every irreversible process entropy of the universe increases.
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One kilogram of water at room temperature is brought into contact with...
Understanding Entropy Change in Thermodynamic Processes
In thermodynamics, the concept of entropy is crucial in understanding energy transfer and the direction of processes. When one kilogram of water at room temperature comes into contact with a high-temperature thermal reservoir, it results in a change in entropy for both the water and the reservoir.
Entropy Change of the Water
- As the water absorbs heat from the thermal reservoir, its temperature increases.
- This absorption of heat leads to a positive change in the entropy of the water because it moves from a lower energy state to a higher energy state.
Entropy Change of the Reservoir
- The high-temperature thermal reservoir loses heat to the cooler water.
- This loss of heat results in a decrease in the entropy of the reservoir; however, the amount of heat lost is typically less than the heat gained by the water due to the temperature difference.
Entropy Change of the Universe
- The total entropy change of the universe is the sum of the entropy changes of the system (water) and the surroundings (thermal reservoir).
- Since the water gains more entropy than the reservoir loses, the overall change in entropy of the universe is positive.
Conclusion: Entropy Always Increases
- The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy of the universe always increases in any spontaneous process.
- Therefore, in this scenario, the correct answer is that the entropy change of the universe is always positive.
In summary, when heat is exchanged between the water and the thermal reservoir, the total entropy change of the universe is positive, confirming option 'D' is correct.