Negative Free Energy - Physical Chemistry

[cvc121]

Homework Statement

Hydrogen peroxide can be prepared in several ways. One method is the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, another method is the reaction between water and oxygen. Given the ΔG°rxn values for each reaction, which method (reaction 1 or 2) requires less energy under standard conditions?
1. H2(gas) + O2(gas) <---> H2O2(liquid) ΔG°rxn = -120.4 kJ
2. H2O(liquid) + 1/2 O2(gas) <---> H2O2(liquid) ΔG°rxn = +116.7 kJ

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

Would the answer be reaction 2 because it is lower in magnitude? I know that a negative free energy value corresponds to a spontaneous reaction and a positive value a nonspontaneous reaction but is the sign significant in this case?

 

[mjc123]

Would the answer be reaction 2 because it is lower in magnitude?

No

is the sign significant in this case?

Yes