[happychappie1700]

Hi Guys,

I wanted to ask you about an example calculation about the entropy change of the universe in regards to whether water will freeze to ice at 5°c ( 278 K ):

ΔSuniv=ΔSsurr+ΔSsys

If we already know that the entropy change of the system for water converting to ice is -22.0 J K-1mol-1 and that the entropy change of surroundings for water converting to ice at 5°c ( 278K ) is 21.6 J K-1 mol-1

Then ΔSuniv=ΔSsurr+ΔSsys:

                  = 21.6 - 22.0
                  = -0.4 J K-1mol-1(meaning entropy is reduced in the
                                                                               universe )

My question is :
where did the - negative sign come from in deducting the 21.6 - 22.0 ?
(when the equation ΔSuniv=ΔSsurr+ΔSsys involves addition )

[mjc123]

Because as you said

we already know that the entropy change of the system for water converting to ice is -22.0 J K-1mol-1

Adding -22 is the same as subtracting 22.