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Chapter 11: Problem 24

Why is the entropy of a substance higher in the liquid state than in the solid state?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The entropy of a substance is higher in the liquid state than in the solid state because in the liquid state particles have more freedom to move around, leading to more possible arrangements and hence a higher degree of randomness or disorder.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding entropy

Entropy is a measure of randomness or disorder in a system. The higher the entropy, the higher the disorder. In the context of matter, it signifies the number of arrangements that the particles can have.
02

Comparing the particle behavior in solid and liquid states

In solid state, particles are closely packed and have a fixed position, they can only vibrate about their mean positions. Therefore, there are less possible arrangements and less randomness. Alternatively, in liquid state, particles are not as closely packed as in solids, they have more space to move around and hence more possible arrangements, creating a higher degree of randomness.
03

Applying the understanding to the exercise

As described earlier, liquid state allows particles more freedom to move, leading to more possible arrangements and hence higher entropy. Therefore, the entropy of a substance is higher in the liquid state than in the solid state.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate the melting point of acetic acid at standard pressure. The enthalpy of fusion of acetic acid is \(11.54 \mathrm{kJ} / \mathrm{mol},\) and the entropy of fusion is 39.8 \(\mathrm{J} / \mathrm{mol} \cdot \mathrm{K}\) .

Most substances can be in three states. What are they?

How can water be made to evaporate rap- idly at room temperature?

What thermodynamic values do you need to know to calculate a substance's melting point?

The critical point for carbon tetrachloride is at \(283^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and \(4.5 \times 10^{3}\) kPa. The triple point is at \(-87.0^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) and 28.9 \(\mathrm{kPa}\) . The normal boiling point is \(76.7^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) . Sketch the phase diagram.
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