I keep getting “Entropy (S)” questions wrong in Chemical Thermodynamics. What's the trap?
thinking entropy always increases for the system alone.
The usual trap: thinking entropy always increases for the system alone. How to avoid it: it's the total entropy (system + surroundings) that rises in a spontaneous change. Go back to the definition — a measure of disorder or the number of ways energy can be arranged.
Key point
Entropy (S)
Common mistake
thinking entropy always increases for the system alone.
Memory tip
it's the total entropy (system + surroundings) that rises in a spontaneous change.
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