True or False: The sum of entropy of a system and its surroundings will always be positive.

The statement that the sum of entropy of a system and its surroundings will always be positive is indeed true, based on the second law of thermodynamics. This law asserts that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time; it either increases or remains constant. In practical terms, this means that when considering a process or reaction, the total entropy change (which includes the system and its surroundings) is always non-negative.

In a spontaneous process, the entropy of the universe (which includes both the system and the surroundings) increases. This increase in entropy reflects the natural tendency of systems to evolve toward thermodynamic equilibrium, where energy is distributed more uniformly. As a result, during any spontaneous change, there is a net increase in order at the microscopic level, leading to a overall higher entropy.

While it is possible for the entropy of a specific system to decrease (for example, in processes forming ordered structures), this decrease must be compensated by a larger increase in the entropy of the surroundings to maintain the overall positive change. Therefore, asserting that the sum of the entropy of the system and its surroundings will always be positive aligns with these thermodynamic principles.