A chemical reaction has an increase in entropy and a decrease in enthalpy. What is known about the spontaneity of the reaction?

Verified Answer :

Hagrid

A chemical reaction
has an increase in entropy and a decrease in enthalpy. The chemical reaction is
spontaneous. A chemical reaction is spontaneous if it has an entropy greater
than zero and an enthalpy less than 0

Answer: Reaction is spontaneous at all temperatures.

Explanation:

According to Gibb's equation:

\(\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S\)

\(\Delta G\) = Gibbs free energy

\(\Delta H\) = enthalpy change

\(\Delta S\) = entropy change

T = temperature in Kelvin

\(\Delta G\)= +ve, reaction is non spontaneous

\(\Delta G\)= -ve, reaction is spontaneous

\(\Delta G\)= 0, reaction is in equilibrium

Thus when \(\Delta H\) = -ve (decrease in enthalpy)

\(\Delta S\) = +ve (increase in entropy)

\(\Delta G=(-ve)-T(+ve)\)

\(\Delta G=(-ve)(-ve)=-ve\)  

Thus Reaction is spontaneous at all temperatures.