Chemistry / Unit 11 Chem 2083 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Entropy Rises with Molecular Complexity
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The idea
Entropy rises with a molecule's structural complexity, since more atoms allow more vibrational microstates for that molecule to access.
In practice
Propanol, with more atoms and more possible vibrations, has higher entropy than methanol.
Where people slip
Complexity means more atoms and more ways to vibrate, not merely a larger molar mass or an unfamiliar-looking formula.
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