Thermodynamically Unfavorable

Definition

A thermodynamically unfavorable reaction is one that absorbs energy (endothermic) and decreases the disorder or randomness (entropy) of the system. These reactions do not occur spontaneously and need an input of energy to proceed.

Related terms

Endothermic Reaction:

A chemical reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings.

Negative Entropy Change: This occurs when a system becomes more ordered rather than disordered.

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to proceed.