Question:
A reaction, A + B → C + D + q is found to have a positive entropy change. The reaction will be
(i) possible at high temperature
(ii) possible only at low temperature
(iii) not possible at any temperature
(iv) possible at any temperature
Solution:
For a reaction to be spontaneous, ΔG should be negative.
ΔG = ΔH – TΔS
According to the question, for the given reaction,
ΔS = positive
ΔH = negative (since heat is evolved)
⇒ ΔG = negative
Therefore, the reaction is spontaneous at any temperature.
Hence, alternative (iv) is correct.