Multiple Choice
Which of the following would allow an energetically unfavorable process to occur in the cell?
19. Chemical Thermodynamics
Spontaneous vs Nonspontaneous Reactions
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A positive ΔSsystem indicates what about the overall spontaneity of a process?
A
The process is always spontaneous.
B
The process is always nonspontaneous.
C
ΔSsurroundings is negligible.
D
ΔSsurroundings must also be positive.
E
Nothing; only ΔSuniverse can tell about the overall spontaneity of a process.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of entropy (S), which is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. A positive change in entropy (ΔS) indicates an increase in disorder.
Recognize that ΔSsystem refers to the change in entropy within the system itself, while ΔSsurroundings refers to the change in entropy in the surroundings.
Recall that the overall spontaneity of a process is determined by the change in entropy of the universe (ΔSuniverse), which is the sum of ΔSsystem and ΔSsurroundings.
Use the formula: ΔSuniverse = ΔSsystem + ΔSsurroundings. A process is spontaneous if ΔSuniverse is positive.
Conclude that a positive ΔSsystem alone does not determine the spontaneity of a process. The spontaneity depends on the total entropy change of the universe, ΔSuniverse.
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