The sole criterion for the spontaneity of a process is

Options

A. Tendencyy to acquire minimum energy
B. Tendency to acquire maximum randomness
C. Tendency to acquire minimum energy and maximum randomness
D. Tendency to acquire maximum stability

Answer

To determine the sole criterion for the spontaneity of a process, we will analyze the concept of Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and its implications for spontaneity.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG)**:
- Gibbs free energy is a thermodynamic potential that helps predict whether a process will occur spontaneously at constant temperature and pressure.
- The formula for Gibbs free energy is given by:
\[ \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S \]
where:
- ΔG = change in Gibbs free energy
- ΔH = change in enthalpy (heat content)
- T = absolute temperature (in Kelvin)
- ΔS = change in entropy (degree of disorder)

2. **Analyzing ΔG Values**:
- If ΔG < 0 (negative), the process is spontaneous.
- If ΔG > 0 (positive), the process is non-spontaneous.
- If ΔG = 0, the system is in equilibrium.

3. **Interpreting ΔH and ΔS**:
- ΔH can be either positive (endothermic) or negative (exothermic).
- ΔS can also be either positive (increase in disorder) or negative (decrease in disorder).
- The sign and magnitude of ΔH and ΔS affect the value of ΔG.

4. **Stability and Spontaneity**:
- A negative ΔG indicates that the process leads to a decrease in free energy, which corresponds to an increase in stability.
- The tendency of a system to move towards a state of lower energy and higher stability is the driving force behind spontaneous processes.

5. **Conclusion**:
- The sole criterion for the spontaneity of a process is the tendency to acquire maximum stability, which corresponds to a negative change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG < 0).

### Final Answer:
The sole criterion for the spontaneity of a process is the tendency to acquire maximum stability, which is indicated by a negative change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG < 0).