The entropy of a NaCl crystal is __________
a. an intensive property and a state function.
b. an intensive property and a path function.
c. an extensive property and a state function.
d. an extensive property and a path function.
e. not appropriately described in terms of an intensive property, an extensive property, a state function, or a path function.
S is a state function. Note that S is given in J/mol so it must depend upon the size. Wouldn't that make it an extensive property?
extensive property
a. an intensive property and a state function.
The correct answer is option a. The entropy of a NaCl crystal is an intensive property and a state function.
To understand why, let's break down the given options and concepts involved:
a. An intensive property refers to a property that does not depend on the size or amount of the substance. In the case of entropy, it remains the same regardless of the size or quantity of the NaCl crystal.
b. A path function refers to a property that depends on the path taken to reach a particular state. Entropy, on the other hand, is not a path function because it only pertains to the current state of the system, not how it got there.
c. An extensive property refers to a property that depends on the size or amount of the substance. Entropy is not an extensive property because it remains constant regardless of the size or quantity of the NaCl crystal.
d. Similar to the explanation in option b, entropy is not a path function.
e. This option is incorrect, as entropy can indeed be appropriately described in terms of intensive properties and state functions.
Therefore, the correct answer is a. The entropy of a NaCl crystal is an intensive property and a state function.