184k views
1 vote
Which of the following processes has a δssys > 0?

a) Isothermal expansion.
b) Adiabatic compression.
c) Isochoric heating.
d) Isobaric cooling.

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Isothermal expansion and isochoric heating generally result in a positive change in entropy (δSsys > 0), with isochoric heating being more definitive since heat increases internal energy and entropy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which of the given processes has a positive change in entropy of the system (δSsys > 0). Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system, and a positive change indicates an increase in this disorder.

Process (a) is an isothermal expansion, where the system is in contact with a heat source and heat flows into the system, which generally increases the disorder of the system, resulting in a positive δSsys.

Process (b) is an adiabatic compression, where no heat is exchanged with the surroundings, and while the temperature of the system increases, the entropy change can be positive or negative, depending on specific details.

Process (c) is an isochoric heating, where volume remains constant while the system is heated, typically resulting in a positive δSsys.

Lastly, process (d) is an isobaric cooling, where pressure remains constant while the system cools. Cooling processes usually lead to a decrease in entropy; thus, δSsys is not guaranteed to be positive.

Based on this, the processes that will have a δSsys > 0 are isothermal expansion and isochoric heating, with isochoric heating being more definitive in this regard since all the heat that enters the system increases internal energy and, thus, entropy.

User Larry Hastings
by
7.6k points