In Gibbs free energy G = H - T S, what quantity multiplies entropy?

• A. Enthalpy
• B. Temperature
• C. Entropy
• D. Heat

Answer: (B)

Temperature is the factor that multiplies entropy in the Gibbs free energy expression. In G = H − T S, the term T S represents how much of the system’s disorder contributes to the energy that is unavailable for work at a given temperature. Entropy S has units of energy per temperature (J/K); multiplying by temperature (K) gives energy (J), aligning with H and G’s units. As temperature rises, the T S term becomes more significant, altering the balance between enthalpy and entropy in determining spontaneity. Heat is related to entropy change via δQ_rev = T dS, but it is not the multiplier in this equation, and enthalpy is the other energy term, not the multiplier of entropy.