Which of the processes represented by the following equations has the greatest positive entropy change?
Answer Details
Entropy is a measure of the degree of randomness or disorder in a system. The greater the number of ways in which the particles in a system can be arranged, the greater the entropy of that system. The process that has the greatest positive entropy change is the one that involves the largest increase in the degree of randomness or disorder of the particles. This occurs when a solid or liquid is converted to a gas or when a gas is allowed to expand into a larger volume. Looking at the given equations, we can see that the equation (a) C6H3(l) → C6H 6(g) involves the conversion of a liquid to a gas, which leads to a large increase in the number of ways in which the particles can be arranged. Therefore, this process has the greatest positive entropy change among the given equations. Note: The answer may vary depending on the reference state and conditions under which the reactions occur.