Arrange the substances on the left in order of increasing entropy. Assume 1 mole of each at standard conditions.

Question

Arrange the substances on the left in order of increasing entropy. Assume 1 mole of each at standard conditions.

match them in orderl	SnCl4(l)	Sn(OH)2(s)	SnCl4(g)	SnO(s)
1) lowest entropy	2)	3)	4) highest entropy

Answer 1

To solve these type of questions we must first understand what entropy is. Remember that entropy is the amount of disorder in a system

First consider the phase of each compound. Entropy increases such that (Gases> Liquids > Solids)

Therefore, we can determine that SnCl₄(g) has the highest entropy. Followed by SnCl₄(l)

We cannot make any conclusions about the other 2 compounds since they are both are solids.

Next consider the complexity of the 2 remaining compounds. The more elements in the compound the greater the entropy

Therefore, we can determine Sn(OH)₂(s) has greater entropy than Sn(O)(s)

Thus from lowest to highest entropy:

1.) Sn(O)(s) 2.) Sn(OH)₂(s) 3.) SnCl₄(l) 4.) SnCl₄(g)

**In this problem it is not necessary but if you still have a tie after looking at the number of elements the last step would be to look at molecular weights. (The greater the molecular weight the greater the entropy)

Hope this helps!