Question

Which of the following changes will always be true for a system with decreasing entropy? +ΔG +ΔS –ΔS –ΔH

Answer 1

Answer:

The change in entropy is negative; -ΔS

Explanation:

The entropy of a system measures the degree of randomness or energy dispersal of the system. The symbol for entropy is S.

For a given system, the change in entropy is symbolized as ΔS.

For an increase in entropy of a system, the final entropy must be greater than the initial entropy  i.e. Δfinal > Δinitial. Therefore ΔS > 0

For a decrease in entropy of a system, the final entropy must be less than the initial entropy  i.e. Δfinal < Δinitial. Therefore ΔS < 0 or ΔS is negative

A system with decreasing entropy may have a positive or negative free energy change, ΔG.

Also, a system with decreasing entropy may have a positive or negative enthalpy change, ΔH.