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Chapter 10: Problem 17

Why is entropy described as an extensive property?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Entropy is described as an extensive property because its value changes with the size or extent of the system, meaning it depends on the amount of matter present.

Step by step solution

01

What is entropy?

Entropy is a measure of the number of specific ways in which a system may be arranged, often taken to be a measure of 'disorder'. The higher the entropy, the higher the disorder.
02

Define extensive properties

Extensive properties, such as mass, volume, and total energy, depend on the size or amount of matter in a system. They are additive for independent, non-interacting subsystems and change as the amount of matter changes.
03

Connect entropy with extensive properties

When a system changes, for example through heat transfer, we observe a commensurate change in the entropy of the system. Therefore, entropy is considered an extensive property because its value depends on the amount or size, so it varies with the size or extent of the system.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate the slope given the following data. $$\begin{array}{ll}{y_{2}=63.7 \mathrm{mL}} & {x_{2}=5 \mathrm{s}} \\\ {y_{1}=43.5 \mathrm{mL}} & {x_{1}=2 \mathrm{s}}\end{array}$$

Use the following terms to create a concept map: calorimeter, enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs energy, and Hesss's Law

Name two processes for which you could determine an enthalpy change.

Calculate \(C\) for indium metal given that 1.0 mol In absorbs 53 J during the following process. $$\operatorname{In}(s, 297.5 \mathrm{K}) \longrightarrow \operatorname{In}(s, 299.5 \mathrm{K})$$

How are the coefficients in a chemical equation used to determine the change in a thermodynamic property during a chemical reaction?
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