During a spontaneous chemical reaction, it is found that $\Delta$S_sys 0 by necessity for a spontaneous process.

Question

During a spontaneous chemical reaction, it is found that $\Delta$S_sys < 0. This means ________ A)($\Delta$S_surr < 0 and its magnitude is < $\Delta$S_sys.) B)($\Delta$S_surr < 0 and its magnitude is < $\Delta$S_sys.). C)($\Delta$S_sur_r > 0 and its magnitude is > $\Delta$S_sys. D)($\Delta$S_surr > 0 and its magnitude is > $\Delta$S_sys.) E)an error has been made, because S_sys > 0 by necessity for a spontaneous process.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For a spontaneous chemical reaction, the change in entropy of the system ($\Delta S_{sys}$) is less than 0 only if the change in entropy of the surroundings ($\Delta S_{surr}$) is greater than 0 and its magnitude compensates for the system's entropy decrease, making the total entropy change positive.

During a Spontaneous Chemical Reaction, It Is Found That Δ\DeltaΔ Ssys < 0

During a Spontaneous Chemical Reaction, It Is Found That $\Delta$ S_sys < 0