At 298 K, for the reaction 2 H⁺(aq) + 2 Br^-(aq) + 2 NO₂(g) → Br₂(l) + 2 HNO₂(aq), Δ_rH° = -61.6 kJ mol^-1 and the standard molar entropies are H⁺(aq), 0 J mol^-1 K^-1; Br^-(aq), 82.4 J mol^-1 K^-1; NO₂(g), 240.1 J mol^-1 K^-1; Br21l2, 152.2 J mol^-1 K^-1; HNO₂(aq), 135.6 J mol^-1 K^-1. Determine 

(a) Δ_rG° at 298 K and 

(b) Whether the reaction proceeds spontaneously in the forward or the reverse direction when reactants and products are in their standard states.