Gibbs Free Energy Change

Definition

Gibbs free energy change ($\Delta G$) is a thermodynamic quantity that measures the maximum reversible work obtainable from a system at constant temperature and pressure. It is essential in determining the spontaneity of a process, as a negative $\Delta G$ indicates a spontaneous reaction, while a positive $\Delta G$ suggests non-spontaneity. Understanding Gibbs free energy change helps connect chemical reactions to their energy dynamics, allowing for predictions about reaction favorability and equilibrium.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. $\Delta G$ can be calculated using the equation $\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$, where $\Delta H$ is the change in enthalpy, $T$ is the temperature in Kelvin, and $\Delta S$ is the change in entropy.
2. At equilibrium, the Gibbs free energy change is zero ($\Delta G = 0$), indicating that there is no net change in the concentrations of reactants and products.
3. The standard Gibbs free energy change ($\Delta G^{\circ}$) refers to the value measured under standard conditions (1 bar pressure, 25°C), providing a basis for comparing different reactions.
4. If a reaction has a large negative $\Delta G$, it indicates a strong tendency for the reaction to proceed towards products, while a small positive $\Delta G$ suggests that reactants are favored.
5. Gibbs free energy change is not only applicable to chemical reactions but also to phase transitions, like melting and boiling, highlighting its versatility in thermodynamics.

Review Questions

• How does Gibbs free energy change relate to the spontaneity of chemical reactions?
  • Gibbs free energy change ($\Delta G$) is directly tied to whether a chemical reaction occurs spontaneously. A negative $\Delta G$ indicates that the reaction can occur without external energy input, while a positive $\Delta G$ means that the reaction is non-spontaneous and would require energy to proceed. By analyzing $\Delta G$, one can predict how changes in conditions like temperature or pressure might influence reaction favorability.
• Discuss how enthalpy and entropy contribute to determining Gibbs free energy change in a reaction.
  • Enthalpy ($\Delta H$) and entropy ($\Delta S$) are crucial components in calculating Gibbs free energy change using the equation $\Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S$. Enthalpy reflects the heat exchange during the reaction, while entropy measures the degree of disorder. A favorable reaction typically has low enthalpy (exothermic) and high entropy (increased disorder), leading to a negative $\Delta G$. Therefore, understanding both factors helps clarify why certain reactions are spontaneous.
• Evaluate how changes in temperature can affect Gibbs free energy change and consequently impact chemical equilibria.
  • Changes in temperature can significantly influence Gibbs free energy change ($\Delta G$), which can shift chemical equilibria. For reactions where entropy increases ($\Delta S > 0$), raising the temperature generally decreases $\Delta G$, promoting spontaneity. Conversely, for exothermic reactions with decreasing entropy ($\Delta S < 0$), higher temperatures can lead to positive $\Delta G$, potentially shifting equilibrium towards reactants. Understanding these temperature dependencies is key to predicting how systems respond under varying conditions.

Related terms

Enthalpy: A measure of the total heat content of a system, often used in thermodynamic equations to understand energy changes during reactions.

Entropy: A measure of the disorder or randomness in a system, playing a crucial role in determining the spontaneity of reactions in conjunction with Gibbs free energy.

Equilibrium Constant: A value that expresses the ratio of concentrations of products to reactants at equilibrium, which can be related to Gibbs free energy change through thermodynamic equations.