Rank from smallest to largest, the changes in entropy of a pan of water on a hot plate, as the temperature of the water
A) 1, 2, 3, 4
B) 5,4,3,2
C) 1 and 2 tie, then 3 and 4 tie
D) 3 and 4 tie, then 1 and 2 tie
E) 4, 3, 2, 1

Question

Rank from smallest to largest, the changes in entropy of a pan of water on a hot plate, as the temperature of the water 
A) 1, 2, 3, 4 
B) 5,4,3,2 
C) 1 and 2 tie, then 3 and 4 tie 
D) 3 and 4 tie, then 1 and 2 tie 
E) 4, 3, 2, 1

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Water begins to heat up and some of the water molecules gain enough kinetic energy to break away from the surface and enter the air as vapor. This decreases the number of molecules in the water and the disorder of the system, resulting in a decrease in entropy.
2. As the temperature of the water continues to increase, more and more water molecules gain enough energy to become vapor, increasing the disorder of the system and causing the entropy to increase.
3. Once the water reaches boiling point, the entropy experiences a sudden jump due to the rapid and complete conversion of water to vapor.
4. As the heat source is removed and the vapor cools, the molecules in the vapor lose energy and begin to condense back into liquid water, decreasing the disorder of the system, and resulting in a decrease in entropy.

Rank from Smallest to Largest, the Changes in Entropy of a Pan