Final answer:
The value of ∆S total when activation energy (Ea) is high and positive cannot be determined without additional context, as ∆S total depends on the specific entropy changes in the system and surroundings and is not directly correlated with the value of Ea.
Step-by-step explanation:
The value of ∆S total (total entropy change) when activation energy Ea is high and positive cannot be determined without additional information. The activation energy is related to the energy barrier that must be overcome for a reaction to occur. However, ∆S total is concerned with the overall entropy change of the system and surroundings and is not directly correlated to the value of Ea.
For example, a reaction with a high Ea may still have a positive, negative, or zero ∆S total depending on the specific characteristics of the reactants and products and the conditions under which the reaction occurs. Factors such as the number of particles and the distribution of energy and matter before and after the reaction can affect the entropy change.
Therefore, without further context or data regarding the specific reaction, the temperature, and pressure of the system, as well as the nature of the reactants and products, it is impossible to predict the sign of ∆S total based only on the value of Ea. The answer to the question of whether ∆S total is positive, negative, or zero when Ea is high and positive is: 4) Cannot be determined.