What happens to entropy when a substance is dissolved in another?

When a substance is dissolved in another, entropy typically increases due to the increased disorder that results from the dissolution process. In a solid state, the molecules are closely packed in a structured arrangement, which reflects lower entropy. When this solid dissolves into a solvent, the molecules become more dispersed, moving freely within the solvent and leading to a higher degree of randomness or disorder.

This greater molecular motion and distribution increases the number of possible microstates, which correlates with a higher entropy value. The interaction between solute particles and solvent molecules disrupts the organized structure of the solute, further contributing to the increase in the overall entropy of the system.

In many cases, the dissolution process can also release energy, often resulting in an increase in temperature, which is another factor that can contribute to an increase in entropy. Thus, it is generally accurate to state that dissolving a substance increases the entropy of the system.