Question

Under what conditions is a process spontaneous?

a) Low entropy and high enthalpy.
b) High entropy and low enthalpy.
c) High entropy and high enthalpy.
d) Low entropy and low enthalpy.

Answer 1

A process is spontaneous when the entropy is high and the enthalpy is low. This combination of high entropy and low enthalpy makes the process more likely to occur spontaneously.The correct answer is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

A process is spontaneous when the entropy is high and the enthalpy is low. Entropy (S) is a measure of the degree of disorder in a system, with higher entropy indicating more disorder.

Enthalpy (H) is the total heat content of a system. When both entropy and enthalpy are in their favorable ranges, a process is more likely to occur spontaneously.

For example, when a solid substance melts to form a liquid, the entropy increases because the particles become more disordered.

At the same time, the enthalpy decreases because energy is released during the phase change. This combination of high entropy and low enthalpy makes the process spontaneous.

Therefore, the correct answer is b) High entropy and low enthalpy.