Question

Which is more energy-favorable: -∆ or +∆?

a) -∆

b) +∆

c) Both are equally favorable

d) It depends on the context

Answer 1

A negative change in internal energy (-∆) indicates a more energy-favorable process because the system is releasing energy spontaneously, which is generally a sign of a spontaneous reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to whether a negative delta (-∆) or a positive delta (+∆) is more energy-favorable. A negative change in internal energy (-∆), which corresponds to options a. Negative; internal energy will decrease and c. Negative; internal energy will decrease from the reference provided, indicates that the system is releasing energy and such processes are generally considered to be spontaneous and energy-favorable. On the other hand, a positive change in internal energy (+∆) implies that the system is absorbing energy, which is less likely to occur spontaneously without the input of external energy. Hence, the correct answer is a) -∆, meaning that an energy change where internal energy decreases is more energy-favorable.