The _____ law of thermodynamics states that natural processes will go in a direction that increases the entropy of the universe.
a. first
c. third
b. second
d. none of the above
This is the second law of thermodynamics (answer b). It refers to the sum of entropy in the universe: so even if in some part entropy decreases, it will increase a lot more in other parts. This law was first expressed in 1820s.