Question 1
Learning objective
Explain entropy as a measure of dispersal of energy or disorder.
Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.
At a glance
5
Flashcards
7
Questions
Topic
Thermodynamics (A-level only)
Subtopic
Entropy and Gibbs free energy (A-level only)
Study support
Understand this objective
Short explanation
In the subtopic Entropy and Gibbs free energy (A-level only), this AQA A-Level Chemistry 7405 learning objective focuses on explain entropy as a measure of dispersal of energy or disorder. It belongs to Thermodynamics (A-level only), so revision should stay anchored to this exact subtopic rather than drifting into a generic GCSE-level chemistry summary. Approved keywords to use include entropy. Gibbs free energy. means a thermodynamic potential that indicates the feasibility of a reaction, calculated using the formula ΔG = ΔH - TΔS Avoid the mistake of students often confuse entropy with energy, thinking it measures energy rather than the dispersal of energy or disorder in a system; instead, entropy (S) is defined as a measure of the dispersal of energy or disorder. To clarify, remember that higher entropy indicates greater disorder and energy dispersal in a system, while lower entropy indicates more order. For example, in a solid, particles are closely packed and have low entropy, whereas in a gas, particles are far apart and have high entropy For exam answers, remember that entropy is a measure of disorder or energy dispersal in a system. Higher entropy indicates greater disorder
Key concepts
Why it matters
This objective helps connect Entropy and Gibbs free energy (A-level only) to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Thermodynamics (A-level only).
Common mistakes
1 linked- Misunderstanding Entropy: Entropy (S) is defined as a measure of the dispersal of energy or disorder. To clarify, remember that higher entropy indicates greater disorder and energy dispersal in a system, while lower entropy indicates more order. For example, in a solid, particles are closely packed and have low entropy, whereas in a gas, particles are far apart and have high entropy.
Revision tools
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Flashcards5 linked cards
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Practice Questions7 linked questions
Question 1 of 7
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Revision notestopic notes
Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.
Open revision notesRelated learning objectives
- Construct Born-Haber cycles for ionic compounds.
Born-Haber cycles (A-level only)
- Calculate lattice enthalpy from Born-Haber data.
Born-Haber cycles (A-level only)
- Compare experimental and theoretical lattice enthalpies.
Born-Haber cycles (A-level only)
- Use lattice enthalpy comparisons to infer covalent character.
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- Calculate entropy changes from standard entropy data.
Entropy and Gibbs free energy (A-level only)
