Explain in terms of ΔG, why a reaction for which both ΔH and ΔS are positive is sometimes spontaneous and sometimes not.

For a reaction to be spontaneous delta G has to be negative according to the equation delta G = delta H - TdeltaS. Therefore if the temperature of a reaction is very high then -TdeltaS will be greater than delta H, and the value of delta G will be negative meaning the reaction will be spontaneous. Hence if the temperature is low then - TdeltaS will be less than delta H, and delta G will be positive and the reaction will not be spontaneous.

AC
Answered by Aaron C. Chemistry tutor

15703 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between SN1 and SN2 reactions, and how do you determine via which mechanism the reaction will proceed?


Explain why successive ionization energies of an element increase


In the addition of hydrogen bromide to propene, consider which of the two possible products, 1-bromopropane and 2-bromopropane, will be the major product and why.


What is equilibrium in regards to chemical reactions?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning