In a spontaneous irreversible process the total entropy of the system and surroundings

Options

A. Remains constant
B. Increases
C. Decreases
D. Zero

Answer

To solve the question regarding the total entropy of the system and surroundings in a spontaneous irreversible process, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Second Law of Thermodynamics
The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time. In any spontaneous process, the total entropy will either remain constant (in the case of a reversible process) or increase (in the case of an irreversible process).

**Hint:** Remember that the Second Law of Thermodynamics is fundamental in determining the behavior of entropy in different types of processes.

### Step 2: Differentiate Between Reversible and Irreversible Processes
In a reversible process, the system is in equilibrium, and the total entropy change is zero. However, in an irreversible process, the system is not in equilibrium, and the entropy of the system and surroundings increases.

**Hint:** Focus on the definitions of reversible and irreversible processes to understand how they affect entropy.

### Step 3: Apply the Concept to Spontaneous Irreversible Processes
For spontaneous irreversible processes, the entropy of the system and surroundings increases. This increase in entropy reflects the natural tendency of systems to evolve towards a state of greater disorder or randomness.

**Hint:** Think about how spontaneous processes tend to move towards more probable configurations, which corresponds to higher entropy.

### Step 4: Conclude the Effect on Total Entropy
Since we are discussing a spontaneous irreversible process, we conclude that the total entropy of the system and surroundings increases. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the total entropy increases.

**Hint:** Remember that the key takeaway for spontaneous irreversible processes is the increase in total entropy.

### Final Answer:
In a spontaneous irreversible process, the total entropy of the system and surroundings increases.