For a particular reaction, ΔH = -32 kJ and ΔS = -98 J>K. Assume that ΔH and ΔS do not vary with temperature. (a) At what temperature will the reaction have ΔG = 0? (b) If T is increased from that in part (a), will the reaction be spontaneous or nonspontaneous?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Recall the Gibbs free energy equation: \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S \). For part (a), set \( \Delta G = 0 \) and solve for temperature \( T \).

Step 2: Convert \( \Delta S \) from J/K to kJ/K to match the units of \( \Delta H \). This is done by dividing \( \Delta S \) by 1000.

Step 3: Substitute \( \Delta H = -32 \text{ kJ} \) and the converted \( \Delta S \) into the equation \( 0 = \Delta H - T \Delta S \) and solve for \( T \).

Step 4: For part (b), consider the sign of \( \Delta G \) when \( T \) is increased. Since \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T \Delta S \), increasing \( T \) will affect the term \( -T \Delta S \).

Step 5: Analyze the sign of \( \Delta S \) to determine the effect on \( \Delta G \) as \( T \) increases. If \( \Delta S < 0 \), increasing \( T \) makes \( -T \Delta S \) more positive, thus \( \Delta G \) becomes positive, indicating nonspontaneity.

Key Concepts

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

Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG)

Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is a thermodynamic potential that measures the maximum reversible work obtainable from a thermodynamic system at constant temperature and pressure. It is calculated using the equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, T is the temperature in Kelvin, and ΔS is the change in entropy. A negative ΔG indicates a spontaneous reaction, while a positive ΔG indicates nonspontaneity.

Enthalpy (ΔH)

Enthalpy (ΔH) is a measure of the total heat content of a system and reflects the energy required to break and form bonds during a chemical reaction. A negative ΔH value, such as -32 kJ, indicates that the reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat to the surroundings. This factor can influence the spontaneity of a reaction, especially when combined with entropy changes.

Entropy (ΔS)

Entropy (ΔS) is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. A negative ΔS value, like -98 J/K, suggests that the reaction leads to a decrease in disorder, which can affect the spontaneity of the reaction. In the context of Gibbs Free Energy, the interplay between ΔH and ΔS at a given temperature determines whether a reaction will be spontaneous or nonspontaneous.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

From the values given for ΔH° and ΔS°, calculate ΔG° for each of the following reactions at 298 K. If the reaction is not spontaneous under standard conditions at 298 K, at what temperature (if any) would the reaction become spontaneous?

a. 2 PbS(s) + 3 O₂(g) → 2 PbO(s) + 2 SO₂(g) ΔH° = −844 kJ; ΔS° = −165 J/K

b. 2 POCl₃(g) → 2 PCl₃(g) + O₂(g) ΔH° = 572 kJ; ΔS° = 179 J/K

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