Question

In which example is the entropy of the initial state greater than the entropy of the final state?

1.) Liquid water freezes into ice.

2.) A building collapses during an earthquake.

3.) A lump of sugar dissolves in a cup of warm water.

4.) Liquid water evaporates.

Answer 1

1)

Liquid changes to solid

So, entropy decreases

entropy of the initial state is greater than the entropy of the final state

2)

More number of particles are generated

So, entropy increases

entropy of the initial state is smaller than the entropy of the final state

3)

Solid changes to liquid

So, entropy increases

entropy of the initial state is smaller than the entropy of the final state

4)

Liquid changes to vapour

So, entropy increases

entropy of the initial state is smaller than the entropy of the final state

Answer:

1.) Liquid water freezes into ice.