Multiple Choice
Which part of the equation ΔG = ΔH – TΔS tells you if a process is spontaneous?
7. Energy and Metabolism
Chemical Reactions
Struggling with General Biology?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Which of the following determines the sign of ΔG for a reaction?
A
The enzyme catalyzing the reaction's having a high affinity (strength of binding) for the reactants
B
The enzyme catalyzing the reaction's having a low affinity for the products
C
The free energy of the products
D
The free energy of the reactants
E
The free energy of the reactants and the free energy of the products
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that ΔG, or Gibbs free energy change, is a measure of the spontaneity of a reaction. It indicates whether a reaction will occur without the input of additional energy.
Recall the formula for Gibbs free energy change: ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and ΔS is the change in entropy.
Recognize that the sign of ΔG is determined by the difference in free energy between the products and the reactants. Specifically, ΔG = G_products - G_reactants, where G represents the free energy.
Identify that if the free energy of the products is lower than that of the reactants, ΔG will be negative, indicating a spontaneous reaction. Conversely, if the free energy of the products is higher, ΔG will be positive, indicating a non-spontaneous reaction.
Conclude that the enzyme's affinity for reactants or products does not directly determine the sign of ΔG. Instead, it is the free energy of the reactants and products that determines the sign of ΔG.
Related Videos
Related Practice
Chemical Reactions practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations