How does the dissolution of a solid in liquid typically affect its entropy?

The correct answer indicates that entropy increases due to greater molecular disorder upon the dissolution of a solid in a liquid. When a solid dissolves, its individual molecules or ions break apart from their ordered crystalline structure and disperse throughout the solvent. This process leads to an increase in randomness or disorder in the system, which is a key characteristic of entropy.

In a solid state, the particles are closely packed and have limited freedom to move, leading to a more organized arrangement. When these particles dissolve in a liquid, they gain increased freedom of movement as they are now surrounded by solvent molecules, which allows for a higher level of disorder. This transition from an ordered to a more disordered arrangement is what contributes to the increase in entropy.

When considering other possible effects of dissolution, it's important to note that the process generally does not lead to a decrease in entropy, nor does it leave entropy unchanged. The specific conditions under which dissolution occurs may influence the extent of entropy change, but the general tendency is for entropy to increase, confirming the statement about greater molecular disorder being the driving factor.