Thermodynamic Favorability

Definition

Thermodynamic favorability refers to the likelihood of a reaction occurring based on its change in Gibbs free energy. If the change is negative, the reaction is thermodynamically favorable and will occur spontaneously.

Related terms

Gibbs Free Energy:

This is the energy in a system that can be used to do work, excluding the work done by pressure-volume changes.

Entropy:

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system. In general, reactions where entropy increases are more likely to be thermodynamically favorable.

Enthalpy:

The heat content of a system at constant pressure. Reactions that release heat (exothermic reactions) often have negative enthalpy changes and are typically thermodynamically favorable.