Question

Do these processes result in a positive or negative change in entropy of the system? Explain qualitatively without looking up any standard thermodynamic values. (Thanks! I promise to rate!)

a. S8(s) + 8O2(g) → 8SO2(g)

b. 4KO2(s) + 2CO2(g) → 2K2CO3(s) + 3O2(g)

c. 4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) → 2Fe2O3(s) d. AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → NaNO3(aq) + AgCl(s)

Answer 1

entropy = chaos

more chaos --> high entropy

high entropy --> mol of gases formation, solid to liquid ; ion formations

then

a. S8(s) + 8O2(g) → 8SO2(g); NEGATIVE, since you are ordering chaos to a single molecule

b. 4KO2(s) + 2CO2(g) → 2K2CO3(s) + 3O2(g) --> POSITIVE, since 2 mol of gas form 3 mol of gas

c. 4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) → 2Fe2O3(s) --> NEGATIVE, 3 mol of gas form a very ordered structure which is solid

d. AgNO3(aq) + NaCl(aq) → NaNO3(aq) + AgCl(s) --> NEGATIVE, since ther eis solid formation (Crystals are very ordered)