Question detail

Which of the following statements about entropy is true?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

Show answer Topic hub Objective page

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Thermodynamics (A-level only)

Question

A. Entropy decreases in spontaneous processes
B. Entropy is a measure of energy conservation
C. Entropy increases with the dispersal of energy
D. Entropy is constant in all chemical reactions

Answer

Entropy increases with the dispersal of energy

Explanation

As energy becomes more dispersed in a system, the entropy increases, reflecting greater disorder.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Entropy

Students often confuse entropy with energy, thinking it measures energy rather than the dispersal of energy or disorder in a system.

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.

Related flashcards

Flashcard 1 of 5

Press Space to flip, arrows to move