Chemistry 30

4.1 Equilibrium and Spontaneity

A final quick reminder to complete our unit on equilibrium.

Recall that in Unit I: Thermodynamics, we were interested in whether or not a reaction would occur (be spontaneous).

We learned of two critical factors - enthalpy (Δ H, energy change) and entropy (ΔS, change in randomness) that determine whether or not a reaction will occur.

These two factors are related as Gibbs Free Energy (Δ G) in a mathematical relationship:

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS

You learned that when

ΔG < 0 , the reaction is spontaneous
ΔG > 0, the reaction is nonspontaneous
ΔG = 0, the reaction is at equilibrium

This unit focused on when ΔG = 0.

Complete Assignment 4.