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CSS Physical and Inorganic Chemistry P-I QUESTION #1415
Question 1
A reaction is exothermic if:
  • \(\Delta H > 0\)
  • \(\Delta H < 0\)✔️
  • \(\Delta G > 0\)
  • \(\Delta G < 0\)
Correct Answer Explanation
An exothermic reaction releases heat to the surroundings, meaning the enthalpy of the products is lower than that of the reactants. Therefore \(\Delta H = H_{\text{products}} - H_{\text{reactants}} < 0\). A negative \(\Delta H\) indicates an exothermic reaction. \(\Delta G < 0\) indicates spontaneity, not necessarily exothermicity.