How does entropy change with an increase in temperature?

Prepare for the ACS Physical Chemistry: Thermochemistry Test with detailed questions, flashcards, hints, and explanations. Get ready to excel in the exam!

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. When the temperature of a system increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules within that system also increases. This heightened kinetic energy results in more vigorous molecular motion, leading to a greater degree of disorder.

As temperature rises, the number of accessible microstates, or arrangements of the system's components, increases. More microstates correspond to higher entropy because there are more ways for the systems' particles to arrange themselves while still maintaining the same overall energy. Essentially, as temperature contributes to increased molecular movement and configuration possibilities, the entropy of a system likewise increases.

This relationship illustrates the fundamental principle of thermodynamics: that at higher temperatures, the disorder within a system grows, which is quantified as an increase in entropy. Thus, it is accurate to conclude that entropy increases with an increase in temperature.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy