Final Answer:
The entropy change (ΔS) for 0.14 mol of potassium as its temperature is lowered from 3.0 K to 1.5 K is approximately -6.81 J/K.
Explanation:
The entropy change (ΔS) can be determined by integrating the specific heat capacity (Cᵥ) with respect to temperature (T) over the given temperature range. In this case, the specific heat capacity is given by the expression Cᵥ = aT + bT³, where a = 2.08 mJ/(mol·K²) and b = 2.57 mJ/(mol·K⁴). To find the entropy change, integrate Cᵥ with respect to T over the given temperature range.
![\[ \Delta S = \int_(T_1)^(T_2) C_v \, dT \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/physics/high-school/9a8gdm3us6ph5rc6jf29tkh5hifugfa744.png)
Substitute the given expression for Cᵥ into the integral:
![\[ \Delta S = \int_(3.0)^(1.5) (2.08T + 2.57T^3) \, dT \]](https://img.qammunity.org/2024/formulas/physics/high-school/ufumnpvk3r2q78crbuu0elk1p6hmo60iwu.png)
Evaluate this integral to find the entropy change, and the result is approximately -6.81 J/K. The negative sign indicates a decrease in entropy as the temperature of potassium decreases.
This result implies that as the temperature of the potassium sample decreases from 3.0 K to 1.5 K, the disorder or randomness of the system decreases, leading to a reduction in entropy. The specific heat capacity expression, involving both linear and cubic terms, captures the temperature dependence of the entropy change. This calculation provides valuable insight into the thermodynamic behavior of potassium at low temperatures.