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Physics

The Role of Entropy in Determining Reaction Spontaneity Beyond Enthalpy

Quick fact

Ammonium nitrate, the salt in instant cold packs, dissolves in water endothermically—it absorbs heat—yet it happens spontaneously because the dramatic increase in entropy of the system (solid salt breaking into freely moving ions) overcompensates for the energy cost.

Why this is interesting

We often think reactions happen because they release energy—but some happen even though they absorb energy from the surroundings. How can that be?