Chemistry · The second law of thermodynamics: Spontaneity of processes, Delta S of the universe and Delta G of the system as criteria for spontaneity

Assertion Adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous inspite of the fact that adso

Assertion Adsorption is exothermic and spontaneous inspite of the fact that adsorption is accompained with decrease in entropy. Reason The factor \( T \Delta S \) is lesser than \( \Delta H \)

  • A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion
  • B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion
  • C. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect
  • D. Assertion is incorrect but Reason is correct

Step-by-step solution

Adsorption is exothermic (ΔH negative) and accompanied by a decrease in entropy (ΔS negative). For spontaneity, ΔG = ΔH - TΔS must be negative. Since ΔS is negative, -TΔS is positive, so ΔG = negative (ΔH) + positive (|TΔS|). For ΔG to be negative, |ΔH| must be greater than |TΔS|. The reason states 'TΔS is lesser than ΔH', which is ambiguous: if ΔH is negative and TΔS is negative (since ΔS negative), 'lesser' could be misinterpreted. The correct condition is magnitude comparison: |ΔH| > |TΔS|. Thus the reason is incorrect.
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