Question

Table 10.2 shows the possible arrangements of four molecules in a two-bulbed flask. What are the possible arrangements if there is one molecule in this two-bulbed flask or two molecules or three molecules? For each, what arrangement is most likely?

Short answer

A spontaneous process is a process that can occur on its own.

Lack of order or randomness in a system or in surroundings is called entropy.

Positional probability is the number of configurations in space that yield a particular state.

A system is defined as a region in space means region which undergo change. Everything other than system is known as surrounding.

System + Surrounding = Universe.

Step-by-step solution

Only One Molecule is Present

If only one molecule is present then only one arrangement possible with two microstates.

Both have equal probability to happen.

Only Two Molecules are Present

If only two molecules are present then only three arrangements are possible and the most likely is when each bulb has one molecule(centre one).

Only Three Molecules are Present

If only three molecules are present then only four arrangements are possible and the most likely is when one bulb has two molecules and other has one molecule.