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Multiple Choice
From the equation ΔG = ΔH – TΔS it is clear that __________.
A
a decrease in the system's total energy will increase the probability of spontaneous change
B
increasing the entropy of a system will increase the probability of spontaneous change
C
increasing the temperature of a system will increase the probability of spontaneous change
D
a decrease in the system's total energy will increase the probability of spontaneous change, and increasing the entropy of a system will increase the probability of spontaneous change
E
a decrease in the system's total energy will increase the probability of spontaneous change, increasing the entropy of a system will increase the probability of spontaneous change, and increasing the temperature of a system will increase the probability of spontaneous change
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the equation: The equation \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S \) represents the Gibbs free energy change, where \( \Delta G \) is the change in free energy, \( \Delta H \) is the change in enthalpy, \( T \) is the temperature in Kelvin, and \( \Delta S \) is the change in entropy.
Identify the conditions for spontaneity: A process is spontaneous if \( \Delta G < 0 \). This means that the free energy of the system decreases.
Analyze the effect of enthalpy: A decrease in \( \Delta H \) (exothermic reaction) will contribute to a negative \( \Delta G \), increasing the probability of a spontaneous change.
Analyze the effect of entropy: An increase in \( \Delta S \) will make \( T\Delta S \) larger, which will decrease \( \Delta G \) (since it is subtracted), thus increasing the probability of a spontaneous change.
Analyze the effect of temperature: Increasing \( T \) will amplify the effect of \( \Delta S \) on \( \Delta G \). If \( \Delta S \) is positive, a higher temperature will further decrease \( \Delta G \), increasing the probability of a spontaneous change.