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 whether a process will occur spontaneously at constant temperature and pressure. It is calculated using the formula 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 the process is favored.
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Breaking down the different terms of the Gibbs Free Energy equation.
Enthalpy (ΔH)
Enthalpy (ΔH) is a measure of the total heat content of a system. A negative ΔH value, such as -8.3 kcal/mol, indicates that the process is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. Exothermic reactions are generally favored because they contribute to a decrease in the system's energy, promoting spontaneity.
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Entropy (ΔS)
Entropy (ΔS) is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. A negative ΔS value, like -12 cal/mol•K, suggests that the process leads to a decrease in disorder. While processes that increase entropy are favored, a negative ΔS can be offset by a sufficiently negative ΔH at high temperatures, affecting the spontaneity of the reaction.
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Explaining what entropy is.