Chapter 10, Problem 8STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reason for an energy crisis in the world needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: In thermodynamics, second law says that the entropy always increases for the Universe. Energy transferred is independent of path so, it is state function but work and heat are dependent on path, so, they are not state functions.

Answer to Problem 8STP

Option C is correct.

Explanation of Solution

The “energy crisis” is not related to the quantity of energy, but it is about the quality of energy. When one uses energy to do work, it degrades its quality as one form of energy changes to other (amount or quality remains the same).

Therefore, there is an energy crisis in world because quality of energy in the world is always decreasing.

Conclusion

Option A, B and D are incorrect as energy crisis is not due to the conservation law of mass, it does not depend on the quantity and also not because energy is a state function.