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)3, 4, 1, 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)3, 4, 1, 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) The water molecules gain kinetic energy and begin to move faster, increasing their entropy slightly.
2) As the temperature continues to rise, the water molecules move even more quickly and begin to evaporate, increasing entropy further.
3) The water begins to boil, and the organized structure of liquid water is completely disrupted as the molecules move rapidly and chaotically as water vapor. This results in a large increase in entropy.
4) If the plate continues to heat the water until it all evaporates, there is no longer any organized structure to the system, resulting in the largest increase in entropy.

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