Let's analyze the given question and the equation [tex]\( \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S \)[/tex].
1. Understanding the Equation:
- [tex]\( \Delta G \)[/tex]: Represents the change in Gibbs free energy. It's the amount of energy available to do work during a reaction at constant temperature and pressure.
- [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex]: Represents the change in enthalpy. It's essentially the heat content of the system.
- [tex]\( T \)[/tex]: Represents the absolute temperature (in Kelvin).
- [tex]\( \Delta S \)[/tex]: Represents the change in entropy, or the measure of disorder or randomness in the system.
2. Interpreting [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex]:
- In the context of this equation, [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex] refers to the enthalpy change. Specifically, it denotes the difference in enthalpy between the products and the reactants in a chemical reaction.
- Enthalpy is a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the total heat content of a system. It is used in calculations involving constant pressure.
Given these definitions and understanding of thermodynamic terms, let's match our interpretation to the possible choices:
A. The change in specific heat between the products and the reactants: This is incorrect. [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex] is related to heat content in terms of enthalpy, not specific heat.
B. The change in free energy between the products and the reactants: This is incorrect. [tex]\( \Delta G \)[/tex] refers to the change in free energy, not [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex].
C. The change in entropy between products and reactants in a reaction: This is incorrect. [tex]\( \Delta S \)[/tex] represents the change in entropy, not [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex].
D. The change in enthalpy between products and reactants in a reaction: This is the correct interpretation of [tex]\( \Delta H \)[/tex]. It represents the heat content or enthalpy change during the reaction.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ D. \text{The change in enthalpy between products and reactants in a reaction} \][/tex]
