
Introduction
In chemistry, the calculation of ΔGrxn (Gibbs free energy change) is a crucial step in understanding the spontaneity of a reaction. The Gibbs free energy change is a measure of the energy change that occurs during a reaction, taking into account the enthalpy change (ΔHrxn), entropy change (ΔSrxn), and temperature (T). In this article, we will calculate ΔGrxn for the nitrogen dioxide reaction, which is given by the equation:
2N2(g)+O2(g)→2N2O(g)
Given Information
The given information for this reaction is:
- ΔHrxn=163.2kJ/mol
- T=298K (standard temperature)
- ΔSrxn is not given, but we will calculate it using the standard entropy values of the reactants and products.
Calculating ΔSrxn
To calculate ΔSrxn, we need to know the standard entropy values of the reactants and products. The standard entropy values are given in units of J/mol·K. We will use the following values:
- ΔS∘(N2(g))=191.5J/mol\cdotpK
- ΔS∘(O2(g))=205.0J/mol\cdotpK
- ΔS∘(N2O(g))=215.1J/mol\cdotpK
Using the formula for ΔSrxn, we get:
ΔSrxn=∑ΔS∘(products)−∑ΔS∘(reactants)
ΔSrxn=2×215.1J/mol\cdotpK−(2×191.5J/mol\cdotpK+205.0J/mol\cdotpK)
ΔSrxn=430.2J/mol\cdotpK−487.0J/mol\cdotpK
ΔSrxn=−56.8J/mol\cdotpK
Calculating ΔGrxn
Now that we have the values of ΔHrxn and ΔSrxn, we can calculate ΔGrxn using the formula:
ΔGrxn=ΔHrxn−TΔSrxn
ΔGrxn=163.2kJ/mol−(298K)(−56.8J/mol\cdotpK)
ΔGrxn=163.2kJ/mol+16.96kJ/mol
ΔGrxn=180.16kJ/mol
Rounding the Answer
The problem asks us to round our answer to the nearest whole number. Therefore, we round ΔGrxn to the nearest whole number:
ΔGrxn=180kJ/mol
Conclusion
Q: What is the significance of calculating ΔGrxn for a reaction?
A: Calculating ΔGrxn is crucial in understanding the spontaneity of a reaction. A negative ΔGrxn value indicates a spontaneous reaction, while a positive value indicates a non-spontaneous reaction.
Q: What is the formula for calculating ΔGrxn?
A: The formula for calculating ΔGrxn is:
ΔGrxn=ΔHrxn−TΔSrxn
Q: What is the difference between ΔHrxn and ΔGrxn?
A: ΔHrxn is the enthalpy change of a reaction, which is a measure of the energy change that occurs during a reaction. ΔGrxn is the Gibbs free energy change of a reaction, which takes into account the enthalpy change, entropy change, and temperature.
Q: How do you calculate ΔSrxn?
A: To calculate ΔSrxn, you need to know the standard entropy values of the reactants and products. You can use the formula:
ΔSrxn=∑ΔS∘(products)−∑ΔS∘(reactants)
Q: What is the standard entropy value of a gas?
A: The standard entropy value of a gas is typically given in units of J/mol·K. For example, the standard entropy value of nitrogen gas (N2) is 191.5 J/mol·K.
Q: Can you give an example of how to calculate ΔGrxn using the formula?
A: Yes, let's use the example of the nitrogen dioxide reaction:
2N2(g)+O2(g)→2N2O(g)
Given:
- ΔHrxn=163.2kJ/mol
- T=298K
- ΔSrxn=−56.8J/mol\cdotpK
Using the formula:
ΔGrxn=ΔHrxn−TΔSrxn
ΔGrxn=163.2kJ/mol−(298K)(−56.8J/mol\cdotpK)
ΔGrxn=163.2kJ/mol+16.96kJ/mol
ΔGrxn=180.16kJ/mol
Q: What is the final answer for ΔGrxn?
A: The final answer for ΔGrxn is 180 kJ/mol.
Q: Can you summarize the key points of calculating ΔGrxn?
A: Yes, the key points of calculating ΔGrxn are:
- Calculate ΔHrxn and ΔSrxn
- Use the formula: ΔGrxn=ΔHrxn−TΔSrxn
- Take into account the standard entropy values of the reactants and products
- Round the answer to the nearest whole number