Questions: 10 Multiple Choice 1 point Which statement most accurately describes the second law of thermodynamics? Energy can be created or destroyed but it cannot be transformed. Energy cannot be changed from one form to another without a loss of usable energy. Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but it can be changed from one form to another. One usable form of energy can be completely converted into another usable form.

Determine which statement most accurately describes the second law of thermodynamics.

Understanding the second law of thermodynamics

The second law of thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer or transformation, the total entropy (disorder) of a closed system will always increase over time. This implies that energy transformations are not 100% efficient, and some energy is always lost as heat, which is less usable.

Analyzing the given options

1. "Energy can be created or destroyed but it cannot be transformed." - This is incorrect because it contradicts the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

2. "Energy cannot be changed from one form to another without a loss of usable energy." - This is correct as it aligns with the second law of thermodynamics, which states that energy transformations are not completely efficient and some energy is lost as heat.

3. "Energy cannot be created nor destroyed but it can be changed from one form to another." - This describes the first law of thermodynamics, not the second.

4. "One usable form of energy can be completely converted into another usable form." - This is incorrect because it contradicts the second law, which states that some energy is always lost in the process.

\(\boxed{\text{Energy cannot be changed from one form to another without a loss of usable energy.}}\)

The statement that most accurately describes the second law of thermodynamics is: \(\boxed{\text{Energy cannot be changed from one form to another without a loss of usable energy.}}\)