Chapter 16, Problem 41QRT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Whether the reaction, $\text{Mg}\left(\text{s}\right)+\frac{1}{2}{\text{O}}_2\left(\text{g}\right)\to \text{MgO}\left(\text{s}\right)$, favors product at low temperature, high temperature or at both has to be predicted.

Concept Introduction:

The Gibbs free energy of a system is defined as the enthalpy of the system minus the product of the temperature times the entropy of the system.  The Gibbs free energy of the system is a state function as it is defined in terms of thermodynamic properties that are state functions.