Question

Without performing any calculations, determine whether the entropy of the system increases or decreases in the photosynthesis of glucose: 6 CO2(g) + 6 H2O(ℓ) → C6H12O6(s) + 6 O2(g) 1. The entropy does not change. 2. decreases 3. increases 4. Unable to determine

Answer 1

2. Decreases

Step-by-step explanation:

From the combined concept of entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, it can be concluded that during the positive change in entropy, the degree of randomness of a system increases.

But in case of photosynthesis, we see a negative entropy change because in the process of photosynthesis plants take disordered things as
`CO_2` from the atmosphere and water from soil and finally make a highly ordered molecule Glucose, which is further used as a food product and source of energy by the plants. Thus it is clear that degree of randomness in decreasing in the process of photosynthesis and it is a negative change in entropy.