Question

Given the balanced equation representing a reaction: 2h2o(l) + 571.6 kJ -> 2h2(g) + o2(g). What occurred as a result of this reaction?
A) energy was released and entropy decreased
B) energy was released and entropy increased
C) energy was absorbed and decreased
D)energy was absorbed and increased

Answer 1

Answer: option D) energy was absorbed and entropy increased.

Explanation:

1) Given balanced equation:

2H₂O (l) + 571.6 kJ → 2 H₂ (g) + O₂(g).

2) Being the energy placed on the side of the reactants means that the energy is used (consumed or absorbed). This is an endothermic reaction.

So, the first part is that energy was absorbed.

3) As for the entropy, it is a measure of the disorder or radomness of the system.

Since, two molecules of liquid water were transformed into three molecules of gas, i.e. more molecules and more kinetic energy, therefore the new state has a greater degree of radomness, is more disordered, and you conclude that the entropy increased.

With that, you have shown that the right option is D) energy was absorbed and increased.