What thermodynamic parameters are compatible with the spontaneity of a chemical reaction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Here are the options analyzed in the context of spontaneity:
A) Positive standard free energy change only.
This option is not compatible with spontaneity. A positive $\Delta$G° means the reaction is non-spontaneous under standard conditions.
B) Positive standard free energy change and high activation energy.
This option is also not compatible with spontaneity. A positive $\Delta$G° indicates non-spontaneity, and a high activation energy is irrelevant to the thermodynamic favorability of the reaction; it only affects the rate at which the reaction occurs.
C) Negative standard free energy change and high activation energy.
This option is compatible with spontaneity due to the negative$\Delta$G°. The high activation energy may slow down the reaction, but it does not affect the thermodynamic favorability.
D) Positive standard free energy change and low activation energy.
This option is not compatible with spontaneity. Despite the low activation energy, which may allow the reaction to occur quickly, a positive $\Delta$G° means the reaction is not thermodynamically favored.
E) Negative standard free energy change.
This option is compatible with spontaneity. A negative$\Delta$G° indicates that the reaction is thermodynamically favored and can occur spontaneously under standard conditions.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
E) Negative standard free energy change.

What Thermodynamic Parameters Are Compatible with the Spontaneity of a Chemical