The total entropy of a system and its surroundings always increases for a spontaneous process. This is a statement of

second law of thermodynamics

Explanation:

According to the second law of thermodynamics, the total entropy of a system and its surroundings always increases for a spontaneous process.

Entropy is defined as the degree of disorderliness of a system. The entropy of a system never remains constant. It either increases or decreases in a process. The total entropy is the sum of the entropy of the system and its surrounding. The total entropy must increase in a spontaneous process.

Thus, the implication of this law is that even, if the entropy of a system decreases, this must be compensated for by increase in entropy of the surroundings in order for the process to be spontaneous.

elements make up everything, and they combine to make compounds.

the answer is c