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Introduction to Entropy

Entropy (S) is a measure of the disorder or randomness of a system. Higher entropy means a system is more disordered.

Key Concepts​

  • Microstates: Different ways particles can be arranged in a system.
  • Entropy and Spontaneity: Reactions tend to favor an increase in entropy.
  • Units: Joules per mole Kelvin (J/mol·K)

Entropy Changes​

[ Change in entropy (ΔS) = Entropy of products − Entropy of reactants ]

  • ΔS > 0: Entropy increases (more disorder)
  • ΔS < 0: Entropy decreases (more order)

Factors Affecting Entropy​

  1. State of Matter: Gas > Liquid > Solid
  2. Number of Particles: More particles → higher entropy
  3. Temperature: Higher temperature → higher entropy

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