Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 52: Problem 11

Is \(\Delta S\) for the following process positive or negative? Why? \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{8}(\mathrm{~g}) \rightleftharpoons 2 \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}(\mathrm{~g})\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The \(\Delta S\) for the given process is positive because the number of gaseous molecules increases from reactants to products.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the reaction

First, we analyze the given reaction. Here, one molecule of \(\mathrm{C}_{4}\mathrm{H}_{8}\) gas is decomposed into two molecules \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{4}\) gas.
02

Determine the change in gaseous molecules

Next, we find the net change in gaseous molecules. On the left side (reactants) of the reaction there is 1 gaseous molecule while on the right side (products) there are 2 gaseous molecules. So the net change is 2 - 1 = 1.
03

Determine the sign of \(\Delta S\)

Entropy, in simple terms can be thought of as the measure of chaos or disorder in a system. An increase in the number of gaseous molecules results in an increase in disorder. Hence, since the number of gaseous molecules increases from reactants to products, the entropy of the system, \(\Delta S\), is positive.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Is it possible to determine whether a process will occur naturally solely by examining the sign of \(\Delta H\) for the process? Explain.

A ball tends to roll down a hill. a) Which is the lower energy state: the ball at the top of the hill or the ball at the bottom of the hill? b) Is the change in the potential energy for this process, \(V_{\mathrm{f}}-V_{\mathrm{i}}\), positive, negative, or zero? c) Why doesn't the ball roll up the hill?

Write a chemical equation that describes the freezing of water, and indicate whether \(\Delta H\) for the process is positive, negative, or zero. Under what temperature conditions does this process naturally occur?

Rank the following in order of increasing entropy: \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{g}) ; \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\boldsymbol{\ell}) ; \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{s}) .\) In general, how are the entropy of the solid, liquid, and gaseous phases of a particular compound related? Explain your reasoning.

Write a chemical equation that describes the melting of ice, and indicate whether \(\Delta H\) for the process is positive, negative, or zero. Under what temperature conditions does this process naturally occur?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free