Question

Can a process occur if the entropy of the system decreases and the enthalpy increases?

Short answer

The processcannot occurs if entropy of the system has been decreases and the enthalpy of the system increases.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Entropyis founded on the idea that everything in nature tends to shift from order to disorder in an isolated system. In matter, it is a state of unpredictability. The internal energy of a system is calledenthalpy. Free energy changes are used to determine the spontaneity of a reaction.

Energy process of Enthalpy and Entropy

The entropy of an energy process usually increases. An increase or reduction in enthalpy and entropy can occur spontaneously. The spontaneity of a reaction is determined by the decrease in free energy, which must be negative. As a result, if entropy falls but enthalpy rises, the free energy change will begreater than zero.

Gibb’s free energy

$\Delta G°=\Delta H°-T\Delta S$

Where,

$\Delta G°$is free energy change

$\Delta H°$is enthalpy change

$\Delta S°$is entropy change

Thus, the reaction would not be favourable and spontaneous if entropy of the system has been decreases and the enthalpy of the system increases.