The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases.

the verdict

SUPPORTED

the evidence backs this

Recorded sources

7 sources for · 1 against

Counts group repeated records of the same source within each side. They do not measure evidence strength or source independence.

Is it true that the second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases?

Yes. Several reference works state outright that the second law of thermodynamics says entropy always increases, and other sources describe entropy of isolated systems or the universe as non-decreasing. Some sources note entropy stays constant in reversible processes, so the unqualified 'always' is a simplification.

Verdict: SUPPORTED · 7 sources for, 1 against · Last checked 17 Oct 2026

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Evidence for · 7

Second law of thermodynamics

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Second law of thermodynamics. (n.d.). en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_law_of_thermodynamics

Evidence against · 1

Definition of Second Law of Thermodynamics

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Definition of Second Law of Thermodynamics. (n.d.). physics.stackexchange.com. https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/291654

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More for · 6

Doesn't sedimentation violate the second law of thermodynamics?

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Doesn't sedimentation violate the second law of thermodynamics?. (n.d.). physics.stackexchange.com. https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/356264

Investigating introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics using a validated instrument

2024

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Brundage, M. J., Meltzer, D. E., & Singh, C. (2024). Investigating introductory and advanced students’ difficulties with entropy and the second law of thermodynamics using a validated instrument. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevphyseducres.20.020110

Environmental economics for non-economists : techniques and policies for sustainable development

2005

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John, A. (2005). Environmental economics for non-economists : techniques and policies for sustainable development. archive.org. https://archive.org/details/environmentaleco0000asaf

Student study guide for use with Microbiology : a human perspective

2004

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I, C. R. (2004). Student study guide for use with Microbiology : a human perspective. archive.org. https://archive.org/details/studentstudyguid0000corb

Does adsorption violate thermodynamics?

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Does adsorption violate thermodynamics?. (n.d.). chemistry.stackexchange.com. https://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/24669

Biology: How Life Works (Volume 1)

2013

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Morris, J. (2013). Biology: How Life Works (Volume 1). books.google.com. http://books.google.com/books?id=P8TZCQAAQBAJ&dq=The+second+law+of+thermodynamics+states+that+entropy+always+increases.&hl=&as_pt=BOOKS&source=gbs_api

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