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) When the water is heated, it undergoes a phase change from solid to liquid, resulting in an increase in entropy.
2) As the temperature of the liquid water increases, the entropy also increases as the molecules move faster and are more disordered.
3) Once the water reaches its boiling point, the entropy does not change as the energy is being used to break intermolecular bonds and convert the liquid water to steam. 
4) When the steam is heated further, the entropy increases again as the molecules move faster and are more disordered. Therefore, the changes in entropy from smallest to largest would be:
Solid water --> liquid water --> steam --> heated steam
Thus, option E is the correct answer.

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