Calculating Standard Entropy Changes (HL) (DP IB Chemistry: HL): Revision Note

Philippa Platt

Written by: Philippa Platt

Reviewed by: Richard Boole

Updated on

Calculating standard entropy changes

How to calculate ΔS⦵

  • The standard molar eentropy values, Sꝋ, refer to to substances in their standard states at 298.15 K and 100 kPa

  • The entropy change, ΔSꝋ, can be calculated from thermodynamic data using the following equation:

ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = ΣSꝋ298(products) - ΣSꝋ298(reactants)

Examiner Tips and Tricks

  • This equation is not provided in the data booklet and should be learned

  • Standard entropy values (S⦵) for selected substances are listed in the IB Chemistry data booklet (Section 13)

  • The units of ΔSsystemꝋ are in J K-1 mol–1

  • Entropy changes depending on the state of the matter

    • For example, water has different Sꝋ values for the liquid and gaseous phases

      • Sꝋ298(H2O (l)) = 70 J K-1 mol–1

      • Sꝋ298(H2O (g)) = 189 J K-1 mol–1

  • When calculating ΔSꝋ, the coefficients used to balance the equation must be applied when calculating the overall entropy change

    • For example, when calculating the ΔSꝋ for the reaction below we need to double the value for Sꝋ (NO2 (g))

N2O4 (g) → 2NO2 (g)

ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = ΣSꝋ298(products) - ΣSꝋ298(reactants)

ΔSꝋ = [(2 x Sꝋ298(NO2)] - Sꝋ298(N2O4)

Worked Example

What is the entropy change when calcium carbonate decomposes?

CaCO3 (s) → CaO (s) + CO2 (g)

  • Sꝋ298(CaCO3 (s)) = 93 J K-1 mol–1

  • Sꝋ298(CaO (s)) = 40 J K-1 mol–1

  • Sꝋ298(CO2 (g)) = 214 J K-1 mol–1

 

Answer:

Step 1: Write out the equation to calculate ΔSꝋ298(reaction)

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = ΣSꝋ298(products) - ΣSꝋ298(reactants)

Step 2: Substitute in formulas and then values for Sꝋ

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = [Sꝋ298(CaO) + Sꝋ298(CO2)] - Sꝋ298(CaCO3)

  • ΔSꝋ(reaction) = (40 + 214) - 93

  • ΔSꝋ(reaction) = +161 J K-1 mol–1 

Worked Example

What is the entropy change when ammonia is formed from nitrogen and hydrogen?

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) ⇌ 2NH3 (g)

  • Sꝋ298(N2 (g)) = 192 J K-1 mol–1

  • Sꝋ298(H2 (g)) = 131 J K-1 mol–1

  • Sꝋ298(NH3) = 192 J K-1 mol–1

 

Answer:

Step 1: Write out the equation to calculate ΔSꝋ298(reaction)

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = ΣSꝋ298(products) - ΣSꝋ298(reactants)

Step 2: Substitute in formulas and then values for Sꝋ taking into account the coefficients

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = [2 x Sꝋ298(NH3)] - [Sꝋ298(N2)+ (3 x Sꝋ298(H2 ))]

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = [2 x 192] - [192 + (3 x 131)]

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = 384 - 585

  • ΔSꝋ298(reaction) = -201 J K-1 mol–1

  • A negative ΔS⦵ means the system becomes more ordered

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Philippa Platt

Author: Philippa Platt

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener

Richard Boole

Reviewer: Richard Boole

Expertise: Curriculum Expert

Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.