Question

TNT explosions are very fast reactions involving the production of enormous quantities of heat and gaseous products. Thermodynamically, explosions are best described as:

A. High entropy, exothermic reactions with a low activation energy.
B. High entropy, endothermic reactions with a low activation energy.
C. High entropy, exothermic reactions with a high activation energy.
D. Low entropy, exothermic reactions with a low activation energy.
E. Low entropy, endothermic reactions with a high activation energy.

Answer 1

TNT explosions are high entropy, exothermic reactions with a low activation energy. This describes the thermodynamics of the explosive conversion of TNT into gaseous products with the release of a large amount of heat and the creation of more disorder within the system.

Step-by-step explanation:

TNT explosions are best described thermodynamically as high entropy, exothermic reactions with a low activation energy. When TNT explodes, it undergoes a rapid chemical reaction that produces enormous amounts of heat (exothermic reaction) and gases. The transformation from solid explosives to gaseous products represents a significant increase in entropy, as the disorder of the system increases. Additionally, the activation energy for these explosives is relatively low in their condensed phases, which enables the reaction to occur rapidly once initiated.

Considering the options provided, A. High entropy, exothermic reactions with a low activation energy is the correct description for TNT explosions. B, C, D, and E do not accurately describe the thermodynamic properties of an explosion involving TNT.