Determining Change in Entropy

[Stuti Pradhan 2J]

Does the change in the number of moles affect the entropy of the system more than a change in states? For example, question 4H.7c asks to predict whether there is an increase or a decrease in entropy of the system for SO2(g) + Br2(g) + 2 H2O(l) --> H2SO4(aq) + 2 HBr(aq). The answer key states that the entropy should decrease because the total number of moles decreases. However, the states go from being mostly gas to aq, so I was wondering if this meant the change in moles is more significant than the change in states.

Thank you in advance!

[Sahiti Annadata 3D]

When the total number of moles decreases, there is less chaos and therefore entropy decreases. However, I believe what is more important is that there are less moles of gas in the products side, which also suggests an entropy decrease. I believe we should focus more on phase changes and then the total number of moles.