Chapter 20, Problem 20.45P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The advantage of calculating free energy changes rather than entropy changes for the reaction spontaneity has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Any natural process or a chemical reaction taking place in a laboratory can be classified into two categories, spontaneous or nonspontaneous. Spontaneous process occurs by itself, without the influence of external energy. In spontaneous process the free energy of the system decreases and entropy of the system increases.  Nonspontaneous process requires an external influence for initiation.  In nonspontaneous process the free energy of the system increases but entropy of the system decreases.

Free energy is the term that is used to explain the total energy content in a thermodynamic system that can be converted into work.  The free energy is represented by the letter G.  All spontaneous process is associated with the decrease of free energy in the system.  The equation given below helps us to calculate the change in free energy in a system.

  $\text{ΔG = }\Delta {\rm H}\text{- T}\Delta \text{S}$

Where,

  $\text{ΔG }$ is the change in free energy of the system

  $\Delta {\rm H}$ is the change in enthalpy of the system

  $\text{T}$ is the absolute value of the temperature

  $\Delta \text{S}$ is the change in entropy in the system