Define entropy and explain how the entropy of an ice cube could be increased.

Entropy is the disorder within a system. It represents the number of different possible arrangements of particles in a substance. As the number of possible arrangements of particles increases, the entropy of the substance increases. Entropy is affected by a number of factors including the temperature of a substance and the number particles within the substance. You can increase the entropy of an ice cube by melting it. As the temperature of the ice cube rises the water molecules will gain energy. Once the temperature rises sufficiently the water molecules will gain sufficient energy to break the bonds holding them in a rigid solid structure. As a result the ice cube will melt and change state becoming a liquid. Liquids are more disordered than solids as their molecules are able to move relative to one another due to the bonds between them being dynamic and weaker than the bonds between molecules in solids.

RW
Answered by Ryan W. Chemistry tutor

1985 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the angle between bonds of a H2O molecule


What is the structure of benzene?


How can pressure affect the equilibrium shift of a reversible gaseous reaction?


A compound, HOCH2CH2CH2CH2COCl, reacts with itself to give a new compound. Give the IUPAC name for the starting compound, draw the mechanism for the formation of the new compound and give the prominant feature of the IR spectrum of the new compound.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences