Question

a group of students is examining the transfer of thermal energy in a closed system as part of their investigation. during their examination, they noticed a decrease in the systems temperature. they related this observation to the second law of thermodynamics. which statement is true based on their examination? 1. the total amount of thermal energy in the closed system remains constant. 2. the thermal energy within the system is redistributed more uniformly. 3. thermal energy is lost to the surroundings. 4. the decrease in temperature means energy has been destroyed. 1 and 2 2 and 4 2 and 3 3 and 4

Explanation:

1. In a closed - system, the first law of thermodynamics (conservation of energy) states that energy is conserved, not the second law. So, the total amount of thermal energy may change if heat is transferred in or out.
2. The second law of thermodynamics implies that in a closed - system, thermal energy will redistribute to maximize entropy, which means it will become more uniformly distributed over time.
3. A closed - system does not exchange matter with the surroundings but can exchange energy as heat. If the temperature of the system decreases, it could mean thermal energy is lost to the surroundings.
4. Energy cannot be destroyed according to the first law of thermodynamics (conservation of energy).

Answer:

C. 2 and 3