What does the Nernst heat theorem imply about entropy change as temperature approaches zero?

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

The Nernst heat theorem indicates that as the temperature approaches absolute zero, the entropy change for any physical process tends to zero. This principle aligns with the third law of thermodynamics, which states that at absolute zero, a perfect crystalline substance possesses zero entropy.

This means that as the temperature nears zero, the disorder or randomness (which entropy is a measure of) diminishes because the system approaches a state of perfect order. Consequently, the change in entropy associated with processes occurring at this temperature approaches zero. Thus, the correct interpretation of the Nernst heat theorem is that the entropy change tends toward zero as the temperature goes down to absolute zero.

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