A scientist claims to have observed a spontaneous process in which 50 J of thermal…
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics
Problem
A scientist claims to have observed a spontaneous process in which 50 J of thermal energy flowed from a metal block at 350 K to an identical block at 380 K while no other interactions occurred. Which statement best assesses this claim?
(a) It is impossible because it would violate conservation of energy.
(b) It is possible provided the blocks remain in thermal contact long enough to reach equilibrium.
(c) It is impossible because it would decrease the total entropy of the two-block system.
(d) It is impossible because it would increase the total entropy of the two-block system.