Entropy

Front

What is entropy?

Back

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. It quantifies the number of ways a system can be arranged.

Front

What does a positive ΔH indicate in a reaction?

Back

A positive ΔH indicates that the reaction is endothermic, meaning it absorbs heat from the surroundings.

Front

What does a positive ΔS indicate in a reaction?

Back

A positive ΔS indicates an increase in entropy, meaning the disorder of the system increases.

Front

What is the second law of thermodynamics?

Back

The second law states that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time, and it will tend to increase, leading to more disorder.

Front

How does the number of gas moles affect entropy?

Back

Increasing the number of gas moles generally increases entropy because more particles lead to more possible arrangements.

Front

What is a spontaneous process?

Back

A spontaneous process is one that occurs without needing to be driven by an external force, often associated with an increase in entropy.

Front

What is the relationship between enthalpy and spontaneity?

Back

A reaction can be spontaneous if it has a negative ΔG, which can occur with a combination of positive or negative ΔH and ΔS.

Front

What happens to entropy during condensation?

Back

During condensation, entropy decreases because gas molecules transition to a more ordered liquid state.

Front

What is the effect of temperature on spontaneity when ΔH is positive and ΔS is positive?

Back

The reaction will be spontaneous at high temperatures because the positive ΔS can outweigh the positive ΔH.

Front

What is an example of a process that increases entropy?

Back

The sublimation of dry ice (solid CO2) into gas increases entropy as the solid transitions to a more disordered gaseous state.