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What is the difference between enthalpy and entropy?

  • Enthalpy is about heat: does a reaction give out or absorb heat?
  • Entropy is about disorder: does a reaction make the system more random or more ordered?
  • Together, they tell us if a reaction can happen naturally.

Example:

  • Burning wood: releases heat (enthalpy) and produces smoke and gases (entropy increases).

In short: Enthalpy = energy, Entropy = disorder.

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