Question Detail
Question
If ΔH is positive and ΔS is negative, the reaction is:
Correct Answer
Option B is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
From ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, if ΔH > 0 and ΔS < 0, then both terms are positive (ΔH is positive, and -TΔS is positive because ΔS is negative). Therefore, ΔG will be positive at all temperatures, and the reaction is never spontaneous.
Hint
Analyze the signs in the Gibbs free energy equation. Is it possible for ΔG to be negative?