Which of the following statements about entropy is true?

Entropy is a key concept in thermodynamics and biochemistry that relates to the degree of disorder or randomness in a system. The correct statement highlights that entropy describes the process of systems going toward disorder.

In thermodynamic terms, systems tend to move from a state of lower entropy (more ordered) to higher entropy (more disordered) as they evolve toward equilibrium. This tendency is foundational to the second law of thermodynamics, which states that in an isolated system, the total entropy can never decrease over time. Essentially, this principle helps explain why many biological and chemical processes favor the formation of products with greater randomness or distribution of energy.

Understanding entropy is also critical when analyzing biochemical reactions, as increased disorder is often associated with the spontaneous nature of certain processes. In biological systems, for instance, even highly ordered structures like proteins can contribute to overall increases in entropy when they change conformations or when metabolic reactions occur.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the concept of entropy. Statements that suggest entropy describes order, remains constant, or has no relation to free energy overlook the fundamental role entropy plays in driving processes toward increased disorder and its direct connection to spontaneity and the free energy of reactions. Hence, the focus on entropy as a measure of disorder is what