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Ch.19 - Chemical Thermodynamics
Chapter 19, Problem 95b

Consider the following three reactions: (i) Ti(s) + 2 Cl2(g) → TiCl4(1g) (ii) C2H6(g) + 7 Cl2(g) → 2 CCl4(g) + 6 HCl(g) (iii) BaO(s) + CO2(g) → BaCO3(s) (b) Which of these reactions are spontaneous under standard conditions at 25 °C?

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1
Understand the concept of spontaneity: A reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions if it has a negative Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°). The standard conditions are 25 °C (298 K) and 1 atm pressure.
Use the Gibbs free energy equation: ΔG° = ΔH° - TΔS°, where ΔH° is the change in enthalpy, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and ΔS° is the change in entropy.
Determine the standard enthalpy change (ΔH°) and standard entropy change (ΔS°) for each reaction. These values can be found in standard thermodynamic tables.
Calculate ΔG° for each reaction using the equation ΔG° = ΔH° - TΔS°. Remember to convert temperature to Kelvin by adding 273.15 to the Celsius temperature.
Compare the calculated ΔG° values: If ΔG° is negative, the reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions. If ΔG° is positive, the reaction is non-spontaneous.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Spontaneity of Reactions

A reaction is considered spontaneous if it occurs without external intervention under standard conditions. This is often determined by the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG); if ΔG is negative, the reaction is spontaneous. Factors such as enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) changes also play a crucial role in assessing spontaneity.
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Standard Conditions

Standard conditions refer to a set of specific conditions used to measure and compare the properties of substances, typically defined as 1 atm pressure and a temperature of 25 °C (298 K). Under these conditions, the standard enthalpy and Gibbs free energy of formation can be used to evaluate the spontaneity of reactions, providing a consistent framework for analysis.
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Thermodynamic Data

Thermodynamic data, including standard enthalpy of formation (ΔH°f) and standard entropy (S°), are essential for calculating the Gibbs free energy change of a reaction. By using these values, one can determine whether the overall reaction is energetically favorable and thus spontaneous. This data is typically found in tables and is crucial for predicting reaction behavior.
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