Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

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Entropy Change, ΔS (CIE A Level Chemistry)

Topic Questions

1a1 mark

The following equation represents the melting of ice.

H2O (s)   →    H2O (l)            Hϴ = +6.03 kJ mol–1    ∆Sϴ = +22.1 J K–1 mol–1

State the meaning of the symbol ϴ in ∆Hϴ.

1b3 marks

Explain whether the entropy of the system increases or decreases. 

1c
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3 marks

Calculate the temperature at which ∆Gϴ = 0 for this process.

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1a1 mark

Potassium nitrate is a soluble salt. When it dissolves in water the value of the enthalpy change ΔHθ = +34.9 kJ mol–1 and the value of the entropy change ΔSθ = +117 J K–1 mol–1 .

Write an equation, including state symbols, for the process that occurs when potassium nitrate dissolves in water. 

1b1 mark

Explain why ΔSθ is positive for this process.

1c
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3 marks

Calculate the minimum temperature at which the reaction will become feasible. Show your working.





T = .................. K
1d2 marks
i)
Deduce what happens to the value of ΔGθ when potassium nitrate dissolves in water at a temperature lower than your answer to part (c).
[1]

ii)
What does this new value of ΔGθ suggest about the dissolving of potassium nitrate at this lower temperature? 
[1]

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2a4 marks

Ammonia, NH3, is produced by the Haber process and is an important chemical in the manufacture of fertilisers and clearing products. 

Ammonia gas can react with oxygen to produce nitrogen monoxide and steam, and is the first step in the Ostwald process which produces nitric acid. 

i)
Write an equation for the reaction of ammonia with oxygen to produce nitrogen monoxide and steam. 
[2]
ii)
Standard entropies are shown in Table 2.1. 

Table 2.1

substance

entropy values (J K-1 mol-1)

NH3 (g)

192.8

O2 (g)

205.2

H2O (g)

188.8

NO (g)

210.8

   Calculate ΔSθ for change for this reaction at 298 K.

ΔSθ = ................................... J K-1 mol-1

[2]

2b1 mark

Explain why the standard entropy change for the reaction in (a) is positive.

2c4 marks

The second step in the Ostwald process produces nitrogen dioxide as shown in the equation 

2NO (g) + O2 (g) → 2NO2 (g)             ΔHθ = -112 kJ mol-1   

The standard entropy for NO2 (g) is 240.0 J K-1 mol-1

Using Table 2.1 calculate ΔSθ or this reaction at 298 K

ΔSθ = ....................... J K-1 mol-1

Using Table 2.1 calculate ΔGθ or this reaction at 298 K




ΔGθ = ....................... kJ mol–1

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3a5 marks

Fig. 3.1 shows how entropy changes with temperature.

q1a_15-2_ib_hl_medium_sq

Fig. 3.1

i)
The entropy of water is zero when the temperature is zero Kelvin. Explain why, with reference to the water molecules in your answer.
[2]
ii)
Explain why the entropy change, ΔS, is larger at temperature T2 than at temperature T1.
[2]
iii)
On the figure, draw the boiling point (Tb) of water on the appropriate axis.
[1]
3b2 marks

Standard entropies can be used to calculate the entropy change of a reaction, ΔS.
For example, for the formation of nitrogen monoxide from nitrogen and oxygen. 

NO (g) + O3 (g) → NO2 (g) + O2 (g)

Standard entropy values are shown in Table 3.1

Table 3.1

Substance

Entropy value / J K-1 mol-1

NO (g)

210.8

O2 (g)

205.2

NO2 (g)

240.0

O3 (g)

238.9

   

Using Table 3.1 calculate ΔSθ of the reaction between nitric oxide and ozone at 298K.




ΔSθ  = .......................... J K-1 mol-1

3c5 marks

The contact process is a method used industrially to form sulfur trioxide, by reacting sulfur dioxide and oxygen together over a vanadium(V) oxide catalyst.

The equation for this reaction is shown below:

2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) 2SO3 (g)

Enthalpy of formation values are shown in Table 3.2

Table 3.2

Substance

Formation enthalpy values (kJ mol-1)

SO2 (g)

-297

SO3 (g)

-395

i)
Using Table 3.2 Calculate the standard enthalpy change of the contact process reaction using the data provided.


ΔHθ = ......................... kJ mol–1
[2]
ii)
The standard entropy change of this reaction is –189 J K-1 mol-1. Use this value and your enthalpy value from part (i) to calculate a value for the free energy change for this reaction at 298K.


ΔGθ = .................... kJ mol-1
[2]
iii)
Use your answer to part (ii) to explain whether the reaction is feasible at 298 K.
[1]

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