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What is entropy (S)?
A measure of disorder, molecular freedom, or randomness in a system.
Define a reversible process.
A process that can go forward or backward without any net change in entropy; an idealized process.
Define an irreversible process.
A process that can only go in one direction, resulting in an increase in the entropy of the universe.
What is the 'arrow of time'?
The tendency of an isolated system to move toward a state of higher disorder.
What is a heat engine?
A device that converts heat energy into mechanical work, operating in a cycle between hot and cold reservoirs.
What are refrigerators and heat pumps?
Devices that move heat from one location to another, using work to transfer heat from a cold to a warm location or vice versa.
What is the key difference between reversible and irreversible processes in terms of entropy?
Reversible: Entropy remains constant (ΔS = 0). Irreversible: Entropy increases (ΔS > 0).
Compare heat engines and refrigerators.
Heat Engines: Convert heat to work. Refrigerators: Use work to move heat.
Differentiate between the hot and cold reservoirs in a heat engine.
Hot Reservoir: Source of high-temperature heat. Cold Reservoir: Environment at a lower temperature.
What is the effect of increasing the temperature on the entropy of a system?
Generally, increasing temperature increases the entropy of the system.
What happens to the entropy of the universe during an irreversible process?
The entropy of the universe increases (ΔS > 0).
What is the effect of shuffling a deck of cards on its entropy?
Shuffling increases the entropy (disorder) of the deck.
What is the effect of the second law of thermodynamics on the direction of time?
The increase in entropy drives the 'arrow of time,' making the past and future fundamentally different.