The free-energy change of a reaction is a measure of
A)the excess entropy given off to the reaction system.
B)the increased molecular disorder that occurs in the system.
C)the energy given off to the surroundings.
D)the direction in which a net reaction occurs.
E)the excess entropy given off to the surroundings.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The free-energy change of a reaction indicates the direction in which the net reaction occurs. It determines whether the reaction is exergonic (spontaneous) or endergonic (non-spontaneous). If the free-energy change is negative, it means that the reaction is exergonic, and the reactants will tend to form products. If the free-energy change is positive, it means that the reaction is endergonic, and the products will tend to revert to reactants. The other options (A, B, C, E) are not correct because they do not directly relate to the free-energy change of the reaction.

The Free-Energy Change of a Reaction Is a Measure of