Chapter 24, Problem 25A

To determine

To explain: The difference between the first, second, and the third law of thermodynamics in terms of whether or not exceptions occur.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

There a three fundamental law of thermodynamics, first, second, and third.

The first law of thermodynamics states that the total heat provided to a system generates an equal amount of total work. In this law, there is no exception, as all-natural processes in the Universe generate an equal amount of heat if work is done on the system.

The third law states that the entropy of a system becomes constant as the temperature of the system approaches zero. In this law, there is no exception as no system can reach the absolute zero temperature yet.

According to the second law of thermodynamics, the total entropy of an isolated system remains constant. For every natural system, molecular collisions occur which increases the heat and entropy of the system even at a microscopic level. Thus, the violation of the second law occurs.

Conclusion:

In the first and third law, there are no exceptions. But, in the second law, there is an exception that violates the second law of thermodynamics.