entropy
What entropy means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of entropy
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain entropy in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Increases on dissolution, so a solid can dissolve even when the enthalpy change of solution is positive or slightly endothermic.
A measure of how spread out the energy and matter of a system are, often described as disorder.
Topics that use entropy
- Gibbs free-energy change, ∆G, and entropy change, ∆S (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Lattice enthalpy (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Born–Haber cycle
- calculating ∆S from absolute entropies
- Effect of ionic charge and radius on lattice enthalpy
- Electron affinity
- enthalpy against entropy
- Enthalpy change of hydration
- Enthalpy change of solution
- Enthalpy of atomisation
Using entropy in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge