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 answer
    D
    $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\mathrm{g})} \longrightarrow \mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}_{(\ell)}$

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'.

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