6: Second Law of Thermodynamics
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In chapter 5, we have discussed heat engines as a means of understanding how some processes are spontaneous while others are not. Carnot’s findings did not just simply inspire Lord Kelvin on this subject, but they also motivated Rudolf Clausius (1822–1888) to introduce the concept of entropy.
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6.1: Entropy
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Let’s return to the definition of efficiency of a Carnot cycle and bring together eqs. 5.3.2 and 5.3.3.
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6.2: Irreversible Cycles
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What happens when we face an irreversible cycle? The efficiency of a Carnot cycle in Equation 5.3.3 is the maximum efficiency that an idealized thermodynamic cycle can reach.
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6.3: The Second Law of Thermodynamics
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For any spontaneous process, the entropy of the universe is increasing.