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Chapter: 11th Chemistry : UNIT 7 : Thermodynamics

Need for the second law of thermodynamics

A glass of hot water over time loses heat energy to the surrounding and becomes cold.

Need for the second law of thermodynamics:


We know from the first law of thermodynamics, the energy of the universe is conserved. Let us consider the following processes:

1. A glass of hot water over time loses heat energy to the surrounding and becomes cold.

2. When you mix hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide, it forms sodium chloride and water with evolution of heat.

 

In both these processes, the total energy is conserved and are consistent with the first law of thermodynamics. However, the reverse process i.e. cold water becoming hot water by absorbing heat from surrounding on its own does not occur spontaneously even though the energy change involved in this process is also consistent with the first law. However, if the heat energy is supplied to cold water, then it will become hot. i.e. the change that does not occur spontaneously and an be driven by supplying energy.

 

Similarly, a solution of sodium chloride does not absorb heat energy on its own, to form hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. But, this process can not be driven even by supplying energy. From these kinds of our natural experiences, we have come to know that certain processes are spontaneous while the others are not, and some processes have a preferred direction. In order to explain the feasibility of a process, we need the second law of thermodynamics.

 


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11th Chemistry : UNIT 7 : Thermodynamics : Need for the second law of thermodynamics |

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11th Chemistry : UNIT 7 : Thermodynamics


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