Question

people breathe in oxygen molecules from the air and exhale carbon dioxide molecules. because of this, the air is full of carbon dioxide and oxygen mixed together. what is this an example of?
a. an increase in entropy
b. an increase in enthalpy
c. an increase in oxidation reactions
d. an increase in evaporation

Explanation:

Step1: Define entropy concept

Entropy measures disorder/randomness of a system.

Step2: Analyze the scenario

Oxygen (concentrated in lungs) and carbon dioxide (concentrated in exhaled air) mix in the atmosphere, creating a more disordered, randomly distributed state.

Step3: Eliminate other options

• Enthalpy: No heat change focus here.
• Oxidation: Not a redox reaction example.
• Evaporation: No phase change of a liquid to gas.

Step4: Confirm correct option

The mixing of gases increases system disorder, so it is an entropy increase.

Answer:

A. An increase in entropy