Question
Predict whether each of the following processes increases or decreases entropy. Select the single best answer for each part.
Condensation of water vapor on a cold surface?
Melting of a solid metal?
Condensation of water vapor on a cold surface?
Melting of a solid metal?
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
1. **Condensation of water vapor on a cold surface:** This process **decreases entropy**. When water vapor condenses into liquid water, the gas molecules, which are more disordered and spread out, transition to a more ordered liquid state.
2. **Melting of a solid metal:** This process **increases entropy**. When a solid metal melts, the structure of the solid becomes more disordered as the atoms or molecules move from a fixed position in a solid lattice to a more disordered state in the liquid phase.
In summary:
- Condensation of water vapor on a cold surface: **decreases entropy**
- Melting of a solid metal: **increases entropy**
2. **Melting of a solid metal:** This process **increases entropy**. When a solid metal melts, the structure of the solid becomes more disordered as the atoms or molecules move from a fixed position in a solid lattice to a more disordered state in the liquid phase.
In summary:
- Condensation of water vapor on a cold surface: **decreases entropy**
- Melting of a solid metal: **increases entropy**