31 January 2023

Enthalpy Vs Entropy | Difference | Comparison

Enthalpy and entropy are two thermodynamic properties related to the amount of energy a system contains. Enthalpy is a measure of the total energy content of a system, including the energy that is available for doing work. Entropy is a measurement of a system's total energy content. These two terms are related since an increase in entropy typically results in a decrease in enthalpy. In this section, we will look at the main differences between enthalpy and entropy in a systematic way. You can check the detailed information on enthalpy vs entropy here in this article. 

Enthalpy Vs Entropy | Difference between enthalpy and entropy

  • Enthalpy is an energy whereas entropy is an attribute. 
  • Enthalpy is directly related to the internal energy of the system. Entropy is a measurement of molecular randomness. 
  • The total sum of energies inside the system is called enthalpy. As the temperature rises, entropy increases.
  • Enthalpy is denoted as H while entropy is denoted as S. 
  • The unit of enthalpy is KJ/mol. The unit for entropy is J/K.
  • Enthalpy was termed by a scientist named Heike Kamerlingh Onnes. Entropy was termed by a scientist named Rudolf Clausius. 
  • Enthalpy is positive for endothermic processes and entropy is positive for spontaneous processes. 
  • Enthalpy is negative for exothermic processes and entropy is negative for non-spontaneous processes. 
  • The system favours minimum enthalpy whereas the system favours maximum entropy. 
  • The first law of thermodynamics is related to enthalpy. The second law of thermodynamics is related to entropy.
  • Enthalpy is applicable to related standard conditions. Entropy does not have any limits or conditions. 
Thanks for reading the article. Still, if you have any questions or queries in your mind on Enthapy Vs Entropy then please ask us in the comment section below.

Explore more information: