Answer:
D) Mn + Ni2+ ⇒ Mn2+ + Ni
Explanation:
A spontaneous process can occur in a specific direction without requiring any energy input from external sources. Such reactions happen naturally. In these spontaneous processes, the entropy change is positive (ΔS), the enthalpy change is negative (ΔH), and most importantly, ΔG (the change in free energy) is negative.
To identify which reaction is spontaneous, we analyze the electrode potentials of the involved species. The species with a more negative reduction potential can displace the other from its aqueous solution. In this case, since the reduction potential for Mn^2+ is -1.19 V compared to nickel's -0.25 V, manganese will thus naturally displace Ni^2+ from solution as indicated in the solution above.
