2
practice examMultiple Choice

Practice Exam

Question 2 • Physics

Which is the best example of decreasing entropy?

Answer
A
A pile of dirt on a floor is cleaned up with a broom.
B
A tree in a forest grows naturally over 10 years.
C
A box of nails is left in the rain and the nails rust over time.
D
A puddle of water is exposed to the sun and evaporates.

Explanation

Entropy is a measure of disorder or dispersal. Sweeping dirt into a pile gathers particles that were spread across the floor, making them more ordered in that area, so this is the best example of decreasing entropy. Tree growth and rusting involve increased organization locally but also energy and matter exchanges; evaporation spreads water molecules into the air, increasing their dispersal.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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