The correct thermodynamic conditions for the spontaneous reaction at all temperatures is
- H < 0 and S > 0
- H < 0 and S < 0
- H < 0 and S = 0
- H > 0 and S < 0
Answer
(1) H < 0 and S > 0, (3) H < 0 and S = 0
Solution
A process is spontaneous when G < 0, where G = H - T S.
(1) H < 0, S > 0 ⇒ both terms negative ⇒ G < 0 at all temperatures.
(2) H < 0, S < 0 ⇒ G < 0 only at low temperature.
(3) H < 0, S = 0 ⇒ G = H < 0 at all temperatures.
(4) H > 0, S < 0 ⇒ G > 0 at all temperatures (non-spontaneous).
∴ Conditions (1) and (3) make the reaction spontaneous at all temperatures.
Answer: (1), (3)