What is the Difference Between Enthalpy and Entropy?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Enthalpy and entropy are both important concepts in thermodynamics, but they represent different properties of a system. Here are the main differences between them:
- Enthalpy (H): Enthalpy is the sum total of all the energies in a system, including internal energy, pressure-volume work, and heat. It is the heat content of a system and is a measure of the energy in a system. If energy is added to a system, its enthalpy increases, and if energy is given off, its enthalpy decreases. Enthalpy is represented by the symbol H and is measured in joules (J).
- Entropy (S): Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a thermodynamic system. It is concerned with the thermal energy of a system per unit temperature and is represented by the symbol S. If the randomness of a system increases, the process is said to be spontaneous. Entropy is a property of a system and is denoted by the symbol S. Entropy is measured in units of joules per kelvin (JK^(-1)).
In summary, enthalpy is a measure of the total heat content or energy in a system, while entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. These two properties play crucial roles in determining the spontaneity and equilibrium of chemical or physical processes.
Comparative Table: Enthalpy vs Entropy
Here is a table comparing the differences between enthalpy and entropy:
Feature | Enthalpy | Entropy |
---|---|---|
Definition | Enthalpy is a measure of the total heat in a system. | Entropy is a measure of the randomness or disorder of molecules in a system. |
Type | Enthalpy is a kind of energy. | Entropy is a property. |
Symbol | Denoted by the symbol H. | Denoted by the symbol S. |
Favored Condition | The system favors minimum enthalpy. | The system favors maximum entropy. |
Units | Joules per mole (J/mol). | Joules per mole per Kelvin (J/K). |
Application | Enthalpy is used to estimate the efficiency of engines and design refrigerant compressors. | Entropy helps predict the direction of spontaneous reactions. |
In summary, enthalpy represents the total heat content of a system, while entropy measures the degree of randomness or disorder in a system. These properties are related through the Gibbs free energy equation, which is used to determine the spontaneity of chemical reactions.
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