GRE Subject Test: Chemistry : Laws of Thermodynamics

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for GRE Subject Test: Chemistry

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Physical Chemistry

Which law of thermodynamics states that a crystal's entropy at a temperature of absolute zero is equal to 0?

Possible Answers:

Zeroth law

Second law

Third law

First law

Correct answer:

Third law

Explanation:

There are four laws of thermodynamics:

Zeroth law of thermodynamics: If two independent systems are each in thermodynamic equilibrium with a thrid independent system, then the first two systems must be in thermodyanmic equilibrium with each other.

First law of thermodynamics: Energy is neither created nor destroyed.

Second law of thermodynamics: The entropy of the universe increases following every reaction.

Third law of termodynamics: At a temperature of 0 Kelvin (absolute zero), the entropy of the crystal is 0.

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