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Which of the following processes has a ΔS?

a) Sublimation
b) Freezing
c) Combustion
d) Condensation

User Leonard AB
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

In the processes listed, sublimation and combustion result in an increase in entropy (positive ΔS), while freezing and condensation lead to a decrease in entropy (negative ΔS).

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked which of the following processes has a change in entropy (ΔS): sublimation, freezing, combustion, or condensation. Entropy (ΔS) is a measure of the molecular disorder or randomness in a system. In phase changes, ΔS can be positive or negative, depending on whether the matter is becoming more disordered (positive ΔS) or more ordered (negative ΔS).

Sublimation is the conversion of a solid directly to a gas, resulting in a much greater dispersal of matter. This process involves an increase in entropy (positive ΔS). Freezing is the conversion of a liquid to a solid, resulting in a decrease in entropy (negative ΔS) as the molecules become more ordered. Combustion is a chemical reaction that typically increases the number of moles of gaseous products, which would mean an increase in entropy (positive ΔS). Lastly, condensation is the conversion of a gas to a liquid, which decreases the entropy (negative ΔS) because the molecules become more ordered.

Thus, sublimation and combustion are processes where entropy increases, while freezing and condensation are processes where entropy decreases.

User Ouda
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