Which of the following terms best describes entropy?

Question

Accepted Answer

Welcome back, everyone choose the option that does not correctly describe entropy choice A states that entropy can be expressed as a function of energy. Choice B states that entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. Choice C states that entropy is a path function. And choice D states that entropy describes the amount of energy unavailable to perform useful work with regard to choice A because it relates entropy as a function of energy. We're going to recall the second law of thermodynamics. And according to the second law of thermodynamics for an isolated system, our entropy change of the system is either increasing or constant. Next, we want to recall that according to the second law of thermodynamics for a reversible isothermal process, entropy change is calculated from the heat of a reversible process divided by temperature of the system. It can also be calculated as entropy change set equal to entropy change delta H divided by the temperature of the system with regard to a reversible isothermal process. An example can be the conversion of liquid to a solid substance which we can recognize as the term fusion or the process of fusion which can occur at constant temperature where our entropy change is found from taking the entropy of fusion delta H F divided by the temperature of the system. Now choice A is giving a con complicated definition of entropy. And while entropy change is expressed as a function of energy in a given process like a isothermal process, we need a more direct definition that addresses the fact that entropy is described as the measure of chaos or randomness in a system or of the universe. So choice A lacks the fundamental definition of entropy. So let's rule choice A out in choice B it definitely states that entropy is a measure of disorder or randomness of a system. This is a true statement. And so far choice B looks like a great answer. Choice next we have choice C which states that entropy is a path function. We would correct this to say that entropy is a state function. Recall that for a path function, if entropy were a path function, it would be dependent on the process versus a state function. Recall is dependent upon the initial state and final state of a system. So we can rule out choice C because it incorrectly labels entropy as a path function. Last, we have choice D in which entropy describes the amount of energy unavailable to perform useful work. So choice D is ultimately describing how energy disperses, which makes energy, which makes entropy rather less available. And sorry, which makes energy less available for work since it can be converted to other forms like heat. Now, choice D is a accurate and true statement. However, it does not directly define the fundamentals of entropy and only is with regard to the consequence of increased entropy in a system where with an increase of entropy, we have an increase of energy dispersal, meaning we have less energy available for useful work. So choice D will rule out and that leaves us with choice B as the best answer of describing entropy correctly, where entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. So I hope this made sense and let us know if you have any questions.

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Which of the following terms best describes entropy?

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