Final answer:
The second law of thermodynamics states that no process is completely efficient, implying that systems lose energy and gain entropy, moving towards disorder.
Step-by-step explanation:
The second law of thermodynamics states that no process is completely efficient. Thus, every system in the universe has a specific amount of energy in it. As the system functions, it will lose energy and thus gain entropy. This describes how with every energy transfer, some energy is lost in an unusable form, such as heat, leading to a more disordered system. The universe, therefore, trends towards increased entropy.
This reinforces the principle that a perpetual-motion machine, which would require complete efficiency, is not possible. The loss of usable energy and gain of entropy also dictates the direction of natural processes, underlining the impossibility of returning to an initial energy state.