Question

Predict the sign of ΔSsys for each process. Which are positive? A. A pond freezes in winter. B. Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in the ocean. C. An apple tree bears fruit. D. None of them are positive. Which are negative? A. A pond freezes in winter. B. Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in the ocean. C. An apple tree bears fruit. D. None of them are negative.

Answer 1

Answer:

Which are positive?  D.

Which are negative? A. B. C.

Explanation:

Generally, entropy can be defined as the degree of randomness of a system. The entropy of any system increases with an increase in the number of moles of the system. Entropy also increases when there is a change of state from solid to liquid or liquid to gas. Therefore for the systems in the given question:

A pond freezes in winter

The degree of disorderliness decrease because there is a change of state from liquid to solid. Thus, ΔSsys is negative.

Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in the ocean

There is also decrease in randomness, thus, ΔSsys is negative.

An apple tree bears fruit

There is also decrease in randomness, thus, ΔSsys is negative.