Is \(\Delta S_{\text { surt }}\) favorable or unfavorable for exothermic reactions? Endothermic reactions? Explain.

Short Answer

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In summary, ΔS_surt is favorable (positive) for exothermic reactions, as they increase the disorder in the surroundings by releasing heat. On the other hand, ΔS_surt is unfavorable (negative) for endothermic reactions, as they decrease the disorder in the surroundings by absorbing heat.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Entropy and Reaction Types

First, let's recall some key definitions: Entropy (S) is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. Exothermic reactions are those that release heat to their surroundings (\(q < 0\)), while endothermic reactions absorb heat from their surroundings (\(q > 0\)). Now, let's analyze how ΔS_surt is affected by exothermic and endothermic reactions.
02

Exothermic Reactions and ΔS_surt

For exothermic reactions, heat is released into the surroundings, which usually leads to an increase in disorder or randomness. As a result, the entropy change ΔS_surt tends to be positive. A positive ΔS_surt means that the process is favorable from the standpoint of the surroundings' entropy.
03

Endothermic Reactions and ΔS_surt

For endothermic reactions, heat is absorbed from the surroundings, which usually results in a decrease in disorder or randomness. As a consequence, the entropy change ΔS_surt tends to be negative. A negative ΔS_surt implies that the process is unfavorable from the standpoint of the surroundings' entropy.
04

Conclusion

In conclusion, ΔS_surt is generally favorable (positive) for exothermic reactions, as they increase the disorder of the surroundings by releasing heat. Conversely, ΔS_surt is generally unfavorable (negative) for endothermic reactions, as they decrease the disorder of the surroundings by absorbing heat.

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