Question

Write the condition for spontaneity of reaction with respect to entropy.

Answer 1

A reaction is spontaneous if the total entropy change (ΔS_total) is positive:

\[\ce{ΔS_(total) = ΔS_(system) + ΔS_(surroundings) > 0}\]

1. If ΔS_total > 0, then the reaction is spontaneous.
2. If ΔS_total < 0, then the reaction is non-spontaneous.
3. If ΔS_total = 0, then the reaction is at equilibrium.