Answer:
A reaction in which the entropy of the system decreases can be spontaneous only if it is exothermic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spontaneity of a reaction depends on the Gibbs free energy(ΔG).
- If ΔG < 0, the reaction is spontaneous.
- If ΔG > 0, the reaction is nonspontaneous.
ΔG is related to the enthalpy (ΔH) and the entropy (ΔS) through the following expression:
ΔG = ΔH - T.ΔS
where,
T is the absolute temperature (always positive)
Regarding the exchange of heat:
- If ΔH < 0, the reaction is exothermic.
- If ΔH > 0, the reaction is endothermic.
Which statement is true?
A reaction in which the entropy of the system decreases can be spontaneous only if it is exothermic. TRUE. If ΔS < 0, the term -T.ΔS > 0. ΔG can be negative only if ΔH is negative.
A reaction in which the entropy of the system increases can be spontaneous only if it is endothermic. FALSE. If ΔS > 0, the term -T.ΔS < 0. ΔG can be negative if ΔH is negative.
A reaction in which the entropy of the system decreases can be spontaneous only if it is endothermic. FALSE. If ΔS < 0, the term -T.ΔS > 0. ΔG cannot be negative if ΔH is positive.
A reaction in which the entropy of the system increases can be spontaneous only if it is exothermic. FALSE. If ΔS > 0, the term -T.ΔS < 0. ΔG can be negative even if ΔH is positive, as long as |T.ΔS| > |ΔH|.