<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The second law of thermodynamics states that the total entropy can never decrease over time for an isolated system, that is, in a system which neither energy nor matter can enter nor leave . The total entropy can remain constant in ideal cases where the system is in a steady state (equilibrium), or is undergoing a reversible process . In all other real cases, the total entropy always increases and the process is irreversible . The increase in entropy accounts for the irreversibility of natural processes, and the asymmetry between future and past . </P> <P> Historically, the second law was an empirical finding that was accepted as an axiom of thermodynamic theory . Statistical thermodynamics, classical or quantum, explains the microscopic origin of the law . </P>

The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of the universe must always do what
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