What is delta G?

1 Answer
May 9, 2015

In order to know and understand what is Delta G, we must first understand the concept of spontaneity.

A reaction is consider spontaneous when it can react with another element on it's own, without the help from a catalyst.

Delta G is the symbol for spontaneity, and there are two factors which can affect it, enthalpy and entropy.

Enthalpy - the heat content of a system at constant pressure.
Entropy - the amount of disorder in the system.

Below is a table to summarize it up!

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When delta G > 0 - It's a non-spontaneous reaction.
When delta G < 0 - It's a spontaneous reaction.
When delta G = 0 - It's at equilibrium.