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A reaction has both positive ΔS° and ΔH° values. From this information, it can be concluded that the reaction A.) can be spontaneous at any temperature. B.) cannot be spontaneous at any temperature. C.) cannot be spontaneous at high temperatures. D.) can be spontaneous only at low temperatures. E.) can be spontaneous only at high temperatures.
The correct answer is (E). For this problem, it is quite essential to know the equation ΔG = ΔH – TΔS. With a positive value of ΔS, the – TΔS term favors spontaneity. But at low temperatures, its contribution will be small. Hence, the ΔH will predominate and the reaction will be non-spontaneous (ΔG = positive). However, at higher temperatures, the magnitude of the – TΔS term increases and can overwhelm the positive ΔH term. In this case, the – TΔS predominates and the reaction is spontaneous (ΔG = negative) at high temperatures.