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In which example does entropy increase?

I. A piece of fruit freezes in liquid nitrogen.
II. Librarians put library books back onto shelves at the end of the day.
III. Liquid nitrogen boils in a beaker at room temperature.
IV. Dry ice sublimes.
V. A balloon collapses as its contents cool in liquid nitrogen.

User Jay Tillu
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

Entropy increases when the state of a substance changes from a more ordered to a less ordered state, such as from solid to liquid, or liquid to gas. Examples of entropy increasing include liquid nitrogen boiling (III) and dry ice subliming (IV), as they both involve transition to a gaseous state from liquid or solid respectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

In analyzing which example demonstrates an increase in entropy, we consider the phase changes and the dispersal of energy and matter. The following pointers help identify an entropy increase:

  • Phase changes from solid to liquid or liquid to gas generally lead to an increase in entropy because the molecules move more freely in liquids and gases than in solids.
  • The dissolution of a substance into another, or the dispersal of matter in space, also contributes to an increase in entropy.
  • An increase in temperature typically causes an increase in entropy as it provides the system's particles with more kinetic energy and thus increases their disorder.

Given this understanding, let's review the examples:

  • A piece of fruit freezing (I) corresponds to a decrease in entropy, as the liquid water inside it becomes a solid.
  • Librarians putting books back on shelves (II) is an example of decreasing entropy through organizing.
  • Liquid nitrogen boiling in a beaker at room temperature (III) is an example of entropy increasing, as a liquid becomes a gas.
  • Dry ice subliming (IV) also represents an increase in entropy, with solid carbon dioxide becoming a gas.
  • A balloon collapsing as its contents cool in liquid nitrogen (V) is a decrease in entropy due to the gas particles inside the balloon becoming more ordered as they turn into a liquid or solid.

Bearing these considerations in mind, the examples that involve an increase in entropy are III (Liquid nitrogen boiling in a beaker at room temperature) and IV (Dry ice subliming).

User Goocreations
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Step-by-step explanation:

Entropy -

In a system, the randomness is measured by the term entropy .

Randomness basically refers as a form of energy that can not be used for any work.

The change in entropy is given by amount heat per change in temperature.

entropy increases as the randomness increase ,

and ,

entropy decrease as the randomness decreases .

I. A piece of fruit freezes in liquid nitrogen.

randomness decreases , and so entropy decrease .

II. Librarians put library books back onto shelves at the end of the day.

randomness decreases , and so entropy decrease .

III. Liquid nitrogen boils in a beaker at room temperature.

change in state from less random liquid to gas , randomness increases , hence entropy increases

IV. Dry ice sublimes .

change in state from less random solid to gas , randomness increases , hence entropy increases .

V. A balloon collapses as its contents cool in liquid nitrogen .

cooling process , reduces the randomness , hence , entropy decreases .

User Anastazia
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