According to the Gibbs-Helmholtz equation (), the adsorption of a gas on a solid surface is only spo — Surface Chemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Since the entropy change $\Delta S$ of the system is negative upon adsorption, the term $-T\Delta S$ becomes mathematically positive. For $\Delta G$ to be negative (which is the requirement for spontaneity), the exothermic enthalpy term $\Delta H$ (which is negative) must have a magnitude large enough to completely overcome the positive $-T\Delta S$ penalty.