A typical chemical reaction will be spontaneous if

In thermodynamics, a chemical reaction is considered spontaneous when it occurs naturally under a given set of conditions without needing to be driven by an external force. The spontaneity of a reaction is best determined by the Gibbs Free Energy change, denoted as ΔG.

The criteria for spontaneity is as follows:

• A reaction is spontaneous if the Gibbs Free Energy change (ΔG) is negative. This indicates that the process can perform work on its surroundings, which means it is energetically favorable.

Now, let's relate this to the given options:

• An enthalpy change is negative (exothermic reaction) can contribute to the decrease in Free Energy. However, this alone does not determine spontaneity as it also depends on the entropy change and temperature.
• A free energy change is greater than one is not relevant in terms of spontaneity. The key is whether ΔG is less than zero (negative), not its magnitude.
• An entropy change is zero implies no change in disorder, but again, spontaneity would depend on other factors, such as enthalpy changes and the temperature.
• If enthalpy and free energy change are equal, it doesn't imply anything directly regarding spontaneity. Spontaneity is determined by ΔG, not the comparison between enthalpy and free energy.

Thus, a chemical reaction is spontaneous when the Gibbs Free Energy change (ΔG) is negative.