ΔS

Definition

ΔS, or change in entropy, is a fundamental concept in thermodynamics that quantifies the degree of disorder or randomness in a system. It is a measure of the unavailability of energy and is closely related to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that the entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The change in entropy, ΔS, is a measure of the increase in disorder or randomness of a system during a process.
2. Processes that increase the entropy of a system, such as the spontaneous mixing of hot and cold objects, are considered to be irreversible and occur naturally.
3. Processes that decrease the entropy of a system, such as the separation of a mixture into its components, require the input of energy and are considered to be non-spontaneous.
4. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium.
5. The increase in entropy during a process is directly related to the unavailability of energy, as energy becomes less useful for performing work as it becomes more dispersed and disordered.

Review Questions

• Explain how the change in entropy, ΔS, is related to the disorder or randomness of a system.
  • The change in entropy, ΔS, is a measure of the increase in disorder or randomness of a system during a process. As a system becomes more disordered, its entropy increases. Processes that increase the entropy of a system, such as the spontaneous mixing of hot and cold objects, are considered to be irreversible and occur naturally. Conversely, processes that decrease the entropy of a system, such as the separation of a mixture into its components, require the input of energy and are considered to be non-spontaneous.
• Describe the relationship between the change in entropy, ΔS, and the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
  • The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium. This means that the change in entropy, ΔS, of an isolated system will always be greater than or equal to zero. Processes that increase the entropy of a system are considered to be spontaneous and irreversible, while processes that decrease the entropy of a system require the input of energy and are considered to be non-spontaneous. The increase in entropy during a process is directly related to the unavailability of energy, as energy becomes less useful for performing work as it becomes more dispersed and disordered.
• Analyze how the change in entropy, ΔS, is connected to the concept of the unavailability of energy.
  • The change in entropy, ΔS, is closely related to the unavailability of energy. As a system becomes more disordered, its entropy increases, and the energy within the system becomes less useful for performing work. This is because energy becomes more dispersed and less concentrated as entropy increases. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium. This means that the energy within the system becomes increasingly unavailable for performing useful work as the system approaches equilibrium. The increase in entropy during a process is therefore directly related to the decrease in the availability of energy, as energy becomes less concentrated and more dispersed throughout the system.

Related terms

Entropy: A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. Entropy increases as a system becomes more disordered.

Second Law of Thermodynamics: The principle that the total entropy of an isolated system not in equilibrium will tend to increase over time, approaching a maximum value at equilibrium.

Isolated System: A system that does not exchange energy or matter with its surroundings, and thus its total energy remains constant.