Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.
πConcepts
Entropy () is a measure of the degree of randomness or disorder of a system. It is a state function and an extensive property.
The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the entropy of the universe () always increases during a spontaneous process: .
Gibbs Free Energy () is a thermodynamic potential that can be used to calculate the maximum reversible work that may be performed by a thermodynamic system at a constant temperature and pressure. It is defined as .
The spontaneity of a reaction at constant temperature and pressure is determined by the Gibbs Free Energy change (): If , the process is spontaneous; if , the process is non-spontaneous; if , the process is at equilibrium.
Standard Gibbs Energy Change () is related to the equilibrium constant () by the equation .
The Third Law of Thermodynamics states that the entropy of any perfectly crystalline substance approaches zero as the absolute temperature approaches zero ().
πFormulae
π‘Examples
Problem 1:
For the reaction , and . Predict whether the reaction is spontaneous at .
Solution:
Given: , , and . Using the Gibbs equation: . . Since is positive, the reaction is non-spontaneous at .
Explanation:
Spontaneity depends on the sign of . Even though the reaction is exothermic (), the decrease in entropy () is significant enough at this temperature to make the overall free energy change positive.
Problem 2:
The equilibrium constant for a reaction is . What will be the value of at ? (Given )
Solution:
Using the relation . Substitute the values: . Since , or .
Explanation:
A positive equilibrium constant results in a negative , indicating that the products are favored at standard state conditions.