The source restates the second law of thermodynamics one more time, this time in terms of the total entropy of a system. What does this version of the law say?
ATotal entropy always increases or stays the same; it never decreases
BTotal entropy always decreases toward zero over time
CTotal entropy stays exactly constant in every real process
DTotal entropy oscillates unpredictably between processes
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Total entropy always increases or stays the same; it never decreases
1. An entropy-based statement of the second law is given as its own distinct version of the law.
2. It states that the total entropy of a system either increases or remains constant in any process, and it never decreases.
3. This rules out option B, which has entropy trending in the wrong direction, and option C, which allows only the constant case and ignores the increasing case that real, irreversible processes actually show.
4. Entropy's behavior described here is a one-directional rule, not an unpredictable oscillation, ruling out option D.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 15 "Thermodynamics", section 15.6 Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics: Disorder and the Unavailability of Energy_
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