Entropy: An ice cube at 0°C is placed in a very large bathtub filled with water at 30°C and allowed to melt, causing no appreciable change in the temperature of the bath water. Which one of the following statements is true?
A) The entropy gained by the ice cube is equal to the entropy lost by the water.
B) The entropy lost by the ice cube is equal to the entropy gained by the water.
C) The net entropy change of the system (ice plus water) is zero because no heat was added to the system.
D) The entropy of the system (ice plus water) increases because the process is irreversible.
E) The entropy of the water does not change because its temperature did not change.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The process of an ice cube melting in a bathtub of water at a higher temperature is irreversible, leading to an increase in the total entropy of the system. This is because the heat transfer from the warmer water to the melting ice increases the disorder of the system.

Entropy: an Ice Cube at 0°C Is Placed in a Very