Define entropy and explain how the entropy of an ice cube could be increased.

Entropy is the disorder within a system. It represents the number of different possible arrangements of particles in a substance. As the number of possible arrangements of particles increases, the entropy of the substance increases. Entropy is affected by a number of factors including the temperature of a substance and the number particles within the substance. You can increase the entropy of an ice cube by melting it. As the temperature of the ice cube rises the water molecules will gain energy. Once the temperature rises sufficiently the water molecules will gain sufficient energy to break the bonds holding them in a rigid solid structure. As a result the ice cube will melt and change state becoming a liquid. Liquids are more disordered than solids as their molecules are able to move relative to one another due to the bonds between them being dynamic and weaker than the bonds between molecules in solids.

RW
Answered by Ryan W. Chemistry tutor

2472 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is Effective Nuclear Charge?


Alcohols can be converted into alkenes in an elimination reaction. The elimination of H2O from pentan-2-ol forms a mixture of organic products. Give the names and structures of all the organic products in the mixture.


i) Write a full balanced equation for (a) the complete combustion of glucose and (b) the incomplete combustion of glucose. ii) Following from part i) suggest a reason (and explain) the difference with the product in reaction (a) and that of reaction (b).


What is optical isomerism and how can you distinguish between optical isomers?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning