Q44 / 150 · MHT CET 2025 (20 Apr Shift 2) · Chemistry
Identify from following physical transformations that exhibits decrease in entropy.
- A$\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{s})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\ell)}$
- B$\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\ell)} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})}$
- C$\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{s})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})}$
- Correct answerD$\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\ell)}$
Solution
Entropy change depends on the transition between physical states. Gases have the highest entropy, followed by liquids, then solids with the lowest entropy due to increasing disorder.
Option A shows melting: $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{s})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\ell)}$, where entropy increases ($\Delta S > 0$).
Option B shows vaporization: $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\ell)} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})}$, where entropy increases significantly ($\Delta S > 0$).
Option C shows sublimation: $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{s})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})}$, where entropy increases ($\Delta S > 0$).
Option D shows condensation: $\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}_{(\ell)}$, where disorder decreases, so $\Delta S < 0$.
The transformation exhibiting decreased entropy is condensation.
Final answer: $\boxed{D}$
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.