In analyzing thermal efficiency of a system, in what way could thermal energy be lost according to the

Question

second law of thermodynamics?
answers:
Energy is converted to potential, ready to be used later.

Energy is stored as part of the matter.

Energy returns to the sun from where it came originally.

Energy is released as waste heat into the surroundings.

Answer 1

In analyzing the thermal efficiency of a system, thermal energy can be lost according to the second law of thermodynamics primarily in the following way:

Energy is released as waste heat into the surroundings.

This reflects the concept that not all energy input can be converted into useful work, and some energy inevitably increases the entropy of the surroundings, typically manifesting as waste heat. The second law of thermodynamics indicates that energy transformations are not 100% efficient, and a portion of energy will always be lost in the form of heat, thus reducing the overall thermal efficiency of the system.