8) C(diamond) → C(graphite)
delta G° = -2.9 kJ/molrxn
Which of the following best explains why the reaction represented above is not observed to occur at
room temperature?
(A) The rate of the reaction is extremely slow because of the relatively small value of AGº for
the reaction.
(B) The entropy of the system decreases because the carbon atoms in graphite are less ordered
than those in diamond.
(C) The reaction has an extremely large activation energy due to strong three-dimensional
bonding among carbon atoms in diamond.
(D) The reaction does not occur because it is not thermodynamically favorable.