A chemist can convert substance A to substance D by one of four two-step pathways. Enthalpy changes for each elementary step are given in the table.
Path I: A → B +40kJ
B → D −120kJ
Path II: A → C −60kJ
C → D −10kJ
Path III: A → E +30kJ
E → D +10kJ
Path IV: A → F −70kJ
F → D +25kJ
Which pathway is most exothermic overall?
a) Path IV
b) Path I
c) Path III
d) Path II