What does a positive change in Gibbs free energy (Delta G) indicate about a reaction?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the implications of a positive change in Gibbs free energy (Delta G) for a chemical reaction. It is looking for an understanding of thermodynamics and how Gibbs free energy relates to the spontaneity and energy characteristics of reactions.
Answer
Nonspontaneous reaction
A positive change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) indicates that the reaction is nonspontaneous, meaning it does not occur naturally without external energy input.
Answer for screen readers
A positive change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) indicates that the reaction is nonspontaneous, meaning it does not occur naturally without external energy input.
More Information
When ΔG is positive, the system requires additional energy input to drive the reaction forward, as it naturally tends to favor remaining in its current state rather than converting reactants to products.
Tips
A common mistake is to confuse spontaneity with speed; a nonspontaneous reaction may occur very slowly if it has a negative ΔG but high activation energy.
Sources
- Introduction to Gibbs free energy - Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
- Positive Change in Gibbs Free Energy? - CHEMISTRY COMMUNITY - lavelle.chem.ucla.edu
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