Chemistry · THERMODYNAMICS

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): A decrease in enthalpy (\( \Delta H < 0 \)) is the sole and sufficient criterion for the spontaneity of a chemical process. Reason (R): Many endothermic reactions (\( \Delta H > 0 \)) proceed spontaneously at room temperature or elevated temperatures. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false but (R) is true.