Chapter 4: Problem 15
In which case, a spontaneous reaction is impossible at any temperature? (a) \(\Delta H+v e, \Delta S+v e\) (b) \(\Delta H+\mathrm{ve}, \Delta S\)-ve (c) \(\Delta H-v e, \Delta S-\) ve (d) In all cases
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option (b) is impossible for a spontaneous reaction at any temperature.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Sign Conventions
For a chemical reaction to be spontaneous, the Gibbs free energy change, denoted as \( \Delta G \), should be negative. The relationship is given by \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S \). Here, \( \Delta H \) represents the change in enthalpy and \( \Delta S \) denotes the change in entropy. The sign of \( T \) is always positive since temperature (\( T \)) is in Kelvin, and cannot be negative.
02
Analyzing Option (a)
In option (a), both \( \Delta H \) and \( \Delta S \) are positive (+ve). This implies that \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S \). For spontaneity, \( \Delta G \) should be negative. This can happen at high temperatures because the \( T\Delta S \) term will dominate and exceed \( \Delta H \). So, a spontaneous reaction is possible at high temperatures.
03
Analyzing Option (b)
In option (b), \( \Delta H \) is positive (+ve) and \( \Delta S \) is negative (-ve). Thus, \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S \) remains positive because both terms \( \Delta H \) and \( -T\Delta S \) contribute positively to \( \Delta G \). Consequently, the reaction cannot be spontaneous at any temperature because \( \Delta G \) is never negative.
04
Analyzing Option (c)
In option (c), \( \Delta H \) is negative (-ve) and \( \Delta S \) is also negative (-ve). Here, \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S \). A lower temperature may allow \( \Delta H \) to be more negative than \( -T\Delta S \), making \( \Delta G \) negative and the reaction spontaneous. Hence, a spontaneous reaction is possible at low temperatures.
05
Summarizing All Options
From the analysis: Option (a) can be spontaneous at high temperatures, option (c) at low temperatures, and option (b) cannot be spontaneous at any temperature because \( \Delta G \) is always positive due to both contributions being positive.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Enthalpy
Enthalpy, denoted as \( \Delta H \), is a measure of the total energy content of a system. It accounts for both the energy needed to break bonds and the energy released when new bonds form.
Understanding enthalpy is essential in determining whether a reaction requires or releases energy. In the context of spontaneous reactions, the sign of \( \Delta H \) can significantly influence the Gibbs free energy, \( \Delta G \).
Together with temperature and entropy, enthalpy helps predict whether a reaction is likely to occur on its own.
- When \( \Delta H \) is negative, the process is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
- Conversely, a positive \( \Delta H \) indicates an endothermic process, where the system absorbs heat.
Understanding enthalpy is essential in determining whether a reaction requires or releases energy. In the context of spontaneous reactions, the sign of \( \Delta H \) can significantly influence the Gibbs free energy, \( \Delta G \).
Together with temperature and entropy, enthalpy helps predict whether a reaction is likely to occur on its own.
Entropy
Entropy, represented by \( \Delta S \), measures the disorder or randomness of a system. It is a crucial factor in thermodynamics and plays a vital role in the spontaneity of reactions.
Entropy contributes to the Gibbs free energy equation through the term \( T \Delta S \). Depending on the sign of \( \Delta S \), this term can either help or hinder a reaction's spontaneity.
Think of entropy as the universe's tendency toward chaos, where reactions that increase entropy are often spontaneous, especially at high temperatures.
- A positive \( \Delta S \) implies an increase in disorder, which is often favored in natural processes.
- A negative \( \Delta S \) suggests a more ordered system, which may require energy input.
Entropy contributes to the Gibbs free energy equation through the term \( T \Delta S \). Depending on the sign of \( \Delta S \), this term can either help or hinder a reaction's spontaneity.
Think of entropy as the universe's tendency toward chaos, where reactions that increase entropy are often spontaneous, especially at high temperatures.
Spontaneous Reaction
A spontaneous reaction is one that occurs without needing external energy. The Gibbs free energy change, \( \Delta G \), is the primary indicator of whether a reaction is spontaneous.
The formula \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S \) combines enthalpy \( \Delta H \), entropy \( \Delta S \), and temperature \( T \) to determine \( \Delta G \).
- If \( \Delta G \) is negative, the reaction is spontaneous.
- If \( \Delta G \) is positive, the reaction is non-spontaneous unless conditions change.
The formula \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S \) combines enthalpy \( \Delta H \), entropy \( \Delta S \), and temperature \( T \) to determine \( \Delta G \).
- At higher temperatures, the \( T \Delta S \) term becomes more significant, which can shift \( \Delta G \) to become negative if \( \Delta S \) is positive.
- At lower temperatures, \( \Delta H \) tends to dominate the equation.