Which condition favors a spontaneous reaction according to the concept of Gibbs free energy?

Which condition favors a spontaneous reaction according to the concept of Gibbs free energy?

• A. Low temperature
• B. High activation energy
• C. High temperature
• D. High pressure

Answer: (C)

A spontaneous reaction is one that occurs without the need for continuous external influence, and its favorability can be assessed using the concept of Gibbs free energy (G). For a reaction to be spontaneous, the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) must be negative (ΔG < 0). The relationship between Gibbs free energy, enthalpy (H), and entropy (S) is captured by the equation: ΔG = ΔH - TΔS In this equation, T represents the temperature in Kelvin. A crucial factor influencing spontaneity is temperature, particularly when considering the entropy component (ΔS). When temperature is high, the negative term (-TΔS) becomes larger in magnitude if the entropy change (ΔS) is positive. If a reaction results in increased disorder (positive ΔS), elevating the temperature enhances the chances of achieving a negative ΔG, thereby favoring spontaneity. Thus, high temperatures can drive reactions that are entropy-driven. Additionally, low temperature could hinder spontaneous reactions when the entropy change is significant, as the TΔS term will be minimized. High activation energy does not directly affect spontaneity; rather, it affects the rate at which a reaction occurs. High pressure generally pertains to gaseous

A spontaneous reaction is one that occurs without the need for continuous external influence, and its favorability can be assessed using the concept of Gibbs free energy (G). For a reaction to be spontaneous, the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) must be negative (ΔG < 0). The relationship between Gibbs free energy, enthalpy (H), and entropy (S) is captured by the equation:

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS

In this equation, T represents the temperature in Kelvin. A crucial factor influencing spontaneity is temperature, particularly when considering the entropy component (ΔS).

When temperature is high, the negative term (-TΔS) becomes larger in magnitude if the entropy change (ΔS) is positive. If a reaction results in increased disorder (positive ΔS), elevating the temperature enhances the chances of achieving a negative ΔG, thereby favoring spontaneity. Thus, high temperatures can drive reactions that are entropy-driven.

Additionally, low temperature could hinder spontaneous reactions when the entropy change is significant, as the TΔS term will be minimized. High activation energy does not directly affect spontaneity; rather, it affects the rate at which a reaction occurs. High pressure generally pertains to gaseous