227k views
2 votes
Given the equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, which set of conditions would result in a reaction that is unambiguously nonspontaneous?

User Jia Jimmy
by
7.7k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

A nonspontaneous reaction must have positive ΔH and negative ΔS, which results in a positive ΔG, indicating that the reaction cannot occur spontaneously under any temperature conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A reaction that is unambiguously nonspontaneous under a given set of conditions would have positive ΔH (enthalpy change) and negative ΔS (entropy change). Per the equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, if ΔH is positive and ΔS is negative, the term -TΔS will also be positive at all positive Kelvin temperatures, thus ΔG will always be positive, indicating nonspontaneity according to the Gibbs free energy equation.

User Alex Van Es
by
7.9k points