Question

Can free energy be negative?

Answer 1

Free Energy:

1. Free energy is maximum useful work done by a thermodynamic system at constant pressure and constant temperature.
2. Free energy is defined as the maximum useful work at constant temperature and constant volume in a reversible phase which is proportional to the negative energy of free energy.
3. So, any change in a system can be calculated by its free energy summing up with heat and work.
4. A negative value of free energy indicates that the final energy is smaller than the original energy.
5. If any process releases free energy and the reaction is random in nature then free energy must be negative.
6. Hence, free energy can be negative.