What two factors determine whether a reaction is spontaneous?

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Solution

A process in a system that takes place without the need of additional energy is known as a spontaneous process.
A process in a closed system and at constant temperature will be spontaneous if the free energy decreases.
According to the second law of thermodynamics, a process in a closed system will be spontaneous if the entropy of the system increases.
Hence, the two factors that determine the spontaneity of a process are free energy and entropy.

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At 298 K, $K_{p}$ for reaction $N_{2} O_{4} (g) ⇌ 2 N O_{2} (g)$ is 0.98. Predict whether the reaction is spontaneous or not.

Z n (s) + {C u}^{2 +} (a) ⟶ {Z n}^{2 +} (a q) + C u (s) △ H^{0} = - 219 k J, △ S^{0} = - 21 {J K}^{- 1} (S p o n t a n e o u s)

Δ

Δ

Δ

= - 110

Δ

= + 40 J K^{- 1}

400

Δ

= + 40

Δ

= - 120 J K^{- 1}

250

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