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Ch.19 - Free Energy & Thermodynamics
All textbooksTro 5th EditionCh.19 - Free Energy & ThermodynamicsProblem 41c
Chapter 19, Problem 41c

Given the values of ΔH°rxn, ΔS°rxn, and T, determine ΔSuniv and predict whether or not each reaction is spontaneous. (Assume that all reactants and products are in their standard states.) c. ΔH°rxn = -115 kJ; ΔS°rxn = -263 J/K; T = 298 K

Verified step by step guidance
1
Calculate the change in entropy of the universe (ΔSuniv) using the formula: ΔSuniv = ΔSrxn + ΔSsurr. Here, ΔSsurr is the change in entropy of the surroundings.
Convert ΔHrxn from kilojoules to joules to ensure consistency in units for the calculations. Recall that 1 kJ = 1000 J.
Calculate ΔSsurr using the formula: ΔSsurr = -ΔHrxn / T. This formula arises from the definition of entropy change in the surroundings due to heat transfer at constant temperature.
Substitute the values of ΔHrxn (converted to joules), ΔSrxn, and T into the formula to find ΔSuniv.
Determine the spontaneity of the reaction by checking the sign of ΔSuniv. If ΔSuniv is positive, the reaction is spontaneous; if it is negative, 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.

Gibbs Free Energy

Gibbs Free Energy (G) is a thermodynamic potential that helps predict the spontaneity of a reaction 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 that a reaction is spontaneous, while a positive ΔG suggests it is non-spontaneous.
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Entropy (ΔS)

Entropy (ΔS) is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In the context of chemical reactions, it quantifies the change in disorder as reactants transform into products. A positive ΔS indicates an increase in disorder, which generally favors spontaneity, while a negative ΔS suggests a decrease in disorder, which can hinder spontaneity.
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Enthalpy (ΔH)

Enthalpy (ΔH) is a measure of the total heat content of a system and reflects the energy changes during a chemical reaction. A negative ΔH (exothermic reaction) indicates that the reaction releases heat, which can favor spontaneity. Conversely, a positive ΔH (endothermic reaction) absorbs heat, potentially making the reaction non-spontaneous unless compensated by a sufficiently large positive ΔS.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Without doing any calculations, determine the signs of ΔSsys and ΔSsurr for each chemical reaction. In addition, predict under what temperatures (all temperatures, low temperatures, or high temperatures), if any, the reaction is spontaneous. c. 2 N2(g) + O2(g) → 2 N2O(g) ΔH°rxn = +163.2 kJ

Textbook Question

Calculate ΔSsurr at the indicated temperature for each reaction. d. ΔH°rxn = +114 kJ; 77 K

Textbook Question

Given the values of ΔH°rxn, ΔS°rxn, and T, determine ΔSuniv and predict whether or not each reaction is spontaneous. (Assume that all reactants and products are in their standard states.) a. ΔH°rxn = +115 kJ; ΔS°rxn = -263 J/K; T = 298 K

Textbook Question

Given the values of ΔH°rxn, ΔS°rxn, and T, determine ΔSuniv and predict whether or not each reaction is spontaneous. (Assume that all reactants and products are in their standard states.) a. ΔH°rxn = -95 kJ; ΔS°rxn = -157 J/K; T = 298 K

Textbook Question

Given the values of ΔH°rxn, ΔS°rxn, and T, determine ΔSuniv and predict whether or not each reaction is spontaneous. (Assume that all reactants and products are in their standard states.) c. ΔH°rxn = +95 kJ; ΔS°rxn = -157 J/K; T = 298 K

Textbook Question

Calculate the free energy change for this reaction at 25 °C. Is the reaction spontaneous? (Assume that all reactants and products are in their standard states.) 2 Ca(s) + O2( g) → 2 CaO(s) ΔH°rxn = -1269.8 kJ; ΔS°rxn = -364.6 J/K

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