Chapter 10: Problem 37

Predict whether $\Delta S$ is positive or negative for the following reaction. $$\mathrm{Ag}^{+}(a q)+\mathrm{Cl}^{-}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{AgCl}(s)$$

Short Answer

Expert verified

For the given reaction, $ \Delta S $ is likely to be negative. This is because the reaction involves a transition from a more disordered state (aqueous ions) to a less disordered state (solid), representing a decrease in entropy.

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of entropy

Entropy ($ \Delta S $) in chemical reactions represents the degree of disorder or randomness. If a reaction leads to an increase in the disorder or randomness of the system, then $ \Delta S $ is positive. Conversely, if a reaction leads to a decrease in the disorder or randomness of the system, then $ \Delta S $ is negative.

Analyze the given reaction

The reaction given is $ \mathrm{Ag}^{+}(a q)+\mathrm{Cl}^{-}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{AgCl}(s) $. The reactants are ions in aqueous solution, which have a high degree of freedom and are thus considered to be in a high entropy (disordered) state. The product is a solid, which has a lower degree of freedom and is thus considered to be in a low entropy (ordered) state.

Predict the sign of ΔS

Since the reaction transitions from a state of higher entropy (more disordered) to a state of lower entropy (less disordered), the overall entropy change $ \Delta S $ for this reaction should be negative. This is because going from a disordered to ordered state represents a decrease in entropy.

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!

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Predict whether \(\Delta S\) is positive or negative for the following reaction. $$\mathrm{Ag}^{+}(a q)+\mathrm{Cl}^{-}(a q) \rightarrow \mathrm{AgCl}(s)$$

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the concept of entropy

Analyze the given reaction

Predict the sign of ΔS

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Nuclear Chemistry

Making Measurements

Chemistry Branches

The Earths Atmosphere

Organic Chemistry

Kinetics

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.