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How Can Gibbs Free Energy Predict Chemical Equilibrium?

Gibbs Free Energy, often called GG, is an important concept in chemistry. It helps us understand whether a chemical reaction will happen on its own and when the reaction will reach a balanced state.

We can look at the change in Gibbs Free Energy, which is written as ΔG\Delta G. It is calculated using this equation:

ΔG=ΔHTΔS\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S

Here's what the terms mean:

  • ΔH\Delta H is the change in heat content,
  • TT is the temperature measured in Kelvin,
  • ΔS\Delta S is the change in disorder or randomness.

Now, let's break this down further:

  1. Spontaneity:

    • If ΔG<0\Delta G < 0: The reaction will happen by itself (it's spontaneous).
    • If ΔG>0\Delta G > 0: The reaction will not happen by itself (it's non-spontaneous).
    • If ΔG=0\Delta G = 0: The reaction has reached a balanced state (equilibrium).
  2. Equilibrium Constant:

Gibbs Free Energy is also related to something called the equilibrium constant, which is shown as KK. We can find the connection using this formula:

ΔG=RTlnK\Delta G^\circ = -RT \ln K

In this equation:

  • RR is a constant number used in gas calculations (8.314 J/mol·K).
  • KK tells us the ratio of products to reactants when the reaction is balanced.

In summary, Gibbs Free Energy is a key tool for understanding how chemical reactions work and how they reach balance.

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How Can Gibbs Free Energy Predict Chemical Equilibrium?

Gibbs Free Energy, often called GG, is an important concept in chemistry. It helps us understand whether a chemical reaction will happen on its own and when the reaction will reach a balanced state.

We can look at the change in Gibbs Free Energy, which is written as ΔG\Delta G. It is calculated using this equation:

ΔG=ΔHTΔS\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S

Here's what the terms mean:

  • ΔH\Delta H is the change in heat content,
  • TT is the temperature measured in Kelvin,
  • ΔS\Delta S is the change in disorder or randomness.

Now, let's break this down further:

  1. Spontaneity:

    • If ΔG<0\Delta G < 0: The reaction will happen by itself (it's spontaneous).
    • If ΔG>0\Delta G > 0: The reaction will not happen by itself (it's non-spontaneous).
    • If ΔG=0\Delta G = 0: The reaction has reached a balanced state (equilibrium).
  2. Equilibrium Constant:

Gibbs Free Energy is also related to something called the equilibrium constant, which is shown as KK. We can find the connection using this formula:

ΔG=RTlnK\Delta G^\circ = -RT \ln K

In this equation:

  • RR is a constant number used in gas calculations (8.314 J/mol·K).
  • KK tells us the ratio of products to reactants when the reaction is balanced.

In summary, Gibbs Free Energy is a key tool for understanding how chemical reactions work and how they reach balance.

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