Question

Predict the sign of ΔG for an exothermic reaction with an increase in entropy?

1) positive
2) negative
3) no change
4) cannot predict without additional information

Answer 1

For an exothermic reaction with an increase in entropy, ΔG is predicted to be negative, indicating that the process is spontaneous.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sign of the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) for an exothermic reaction with an increase in entropy is expected to be negative. This is due to the relationship ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, where ΔH represents the change in enthalpy and ΔS represents the change in entropy. For an exothermic reaction, ΔH is negative because heat is released. When there is also an increase in entropy (ΔS > 0), the term TΔS, where T is the absolute temperature, will be positive. A negative ΔH and positive TΔS will result in a ΔG that is negative, indicating that the process is spontaneous.