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13.E: Spontaneous Processes (Exercises)

  • Page ID
    50304
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    These are homework exercises to accompany the Textmap created for "Principles of Modern Chemistry" by Oxtoby et al. Complementary General Chemistry question banks can be found for other Textmaps and can be accessed here.

    Q3

    Write detailed calculation down for each question involved in gambling,

    1. How many “microstates” are there for the cards that come up from five random cards each from a separate deck?
    2. What is the probability of getting 5 queens of hearts?
    3. What is the probability of getting any specific hand of five cards?
    Solution

    Microstates are specific configurations in which each particle is distinguishable. The number of ways that they can be arranged to describe the macrostate is the weight of that macrostate and used in the definition of entropy.

    1. The number of possible outcomes (microstates) of any repeated independent situation is equal to the number of possibilities in one iteration to the power of the repetitions. So in this case, the answer is 52 to the power of 5.
    2. One of these \(\mathrm{52^5}\) possibilities.
    3. One of these \(\mathrm{52^5}\) possibilities.

    Q5

    Is the above reaction spontaneous under 1 atm and room temperature? If so, what are the driving factors?

    \[\ce{3NO(g) <=> N2O(g) + NO2(g)} \nonumber\]

    Solution

    From a superficial overview of the reaction, we would conclude that the enthalpy change would be negative (i.e., \(\Delta H < 0\)) (why? more bonding in the products than the reactants). We would also expect a negative value of entropy (\(\Delta n_{gas} < 0\). It is difficult to argue which would win from just looking at the reaction and we need to do a Hess's law like approach to solve numerically using the Gibbs energies of formation from Table T1:

    \[ \Delta^o G_{rxn} = \Delta^o G_f \{ N_2O \} + \Delta G^o_f \{ NO_2 \} - 3 \Delta G^o_f \{ NO \}\nonumber\]

    Q9

    For each of the following scenarios predict the system's entropy change whether it is \(\Delta S < 0\), \(\Delta S = 0\), or \(\Delta S > 0\).

    1. Increasing the amount of quarters being flipped from 2 to 4.
    2. Moving a child from a 30 ft. × 30 ft. room to a 5 ft. × 5 ft. room to play in .
    3. Increasing the temperature of a non-ideal polyatomic gas.
    Solution
    1. Increasing the amount of flipped quarters leads to (\(\Delta S > 0\)) because it increases the number of microstates available. For example: \(2^2 = 4\) so 4 microstates possible with 2 quarters but \(2^4 = 16\) so 16 microstates are available with four quarters. 16 > 4 so entropy would increase.
    2. If you divided the room in 1 sq. ft cubes as the places where the child may stand/play, there are only 25 squares in which the child could stand so 25 microstates versus 900 squares/microstates in the other room. Therefore \(\Delta S < 0\) because there are less microstates available.
    3. Increasing the temperature of a non-ideal gas would lead to (\(\Delta S > 0 \)) because the increased temperature would "unfreeze" "frozen" modes in the gas, which would allow it more degrees of freedom and therefore microstates.

    Q10

    Determine whether the change in entropy for the processes listed down below are positive or negative:

    1. condensing of iodine gas into a solid
    2. diffusion of an ideal gas
    Solution
    1. Change in entropy is negative, as gaseous iodine turns solid, the decreased freedom of movement restricts the possible particle locations and hence there is a decrease in the number of microstates.
    2. Change of entropy is positive. As diffusion occurs, there is increased freedom of movement and increase in the possible particle locations and an increase in the number of microstates.

    Q11

    Osmium melts at 3,027 °C and has an enthalpy change of fusion of 31.0 kJ/mol. Calculate the entropy of fusion of osmium.

    Solution

    Define the system at 1 mole of solid osmium at its melting point of 3027°C (3300 K). Imagine adding 31.0 kJ of heat infinitely slowly in such a way that the temperature remains constant, as the osmium melts. The heat is then equal to the qrev for the melting. Substitute the value of heat supplied and T into the equation that defines the entropy of the change of the entropy of a system. Because the change occurs at a constant temperature, T may be outside the integral sign

    \[\Delta S=\int\frac{dq_{rev}}{T}=\frac{1}{T}\int dq_{rev}=\frac{1}{T}q_{rev}=\frac{31.0\times10^{3}\;J\;mol^{-1}}{3300\;K}=9.39\;J\;K^{-1}\;mol^{-1}\nonumber\]

    Tip. The temperature must be an absolute temperature (in Kelvins, for example).

    Q13

    Trouton's Rule is used to estimate the molar enthalpy of vaporization. What is iodine's enthalpy of vaporization if its normal boiling point is 184.4oC?

    Solution

    Trouton's Rule:

    \[\Delta H_{vap}=\Delta S_{vap}T_{b}\]

    \[\Delta S_{vap}\approx 88\frac{J}{Kmol}\]

    \[T_{b}=184.4^{o}C=457.55K\]

    \[\Delta H_{vap}=(88\frac{J}{Kmol})(457.55K)=40264.4\frac{J}{mol}=40.26\frac{kJ}{mol}\]

    Enthalpy of vaporization of iodine is 40.26 kJ/mol

    Q15

    If 0.250 mol Argon is expanded reversibly and isothermally at 400 K in its compressible oven from an initial vol­ume of 12.0 L to a final volume of 30.0 L, what will the ∆U, q, w, ∆H, and ∆S for the gas?

    Solution

    For an isothermal process, ∆U = 0, and consequently, ∆H = 0. However, for the work:

    \[w = \int_{v_o}^{v_f} P \, dV \nonumber\]

    Where:

    \[P = \dfrac{nRT}{V} \nonumber\]

    meaning that if we put P into terms of V using PV=nRT, then we can get the work, which comes out look like:

    \[w= nRT \ln{\dfrac{V_f}{V_o}} \nonumber\]

    \[w = (0.250 \; mol) \times (8.314 \; \mathrm{\dfrac{J}{K mol}} ) \times (400 \; \mathrm{K}) \times \ln{ \dfrac{30.0 \; L}{12.0 \; L}} = 761.8 \; \mathrm{J} \nonumber\]

    \(PV = nRT\) is the ideal gas law. it implies that the molecules or atoms of the gas are point masses, they have no volume and undergo only elastic collision.

    Therefore, by the first law, the heat, q, must be be the negative of the work. Now, as for ∆S, we know:

    \[\Delta{S}= \dfrac{-q}{T}\nonumber\]

    which implies that:

    \[\Delta{S}= nR\ln{\dfrac{V_f}{V_o}}\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta{S}= (0.250 \; \mathrm{mol}) \times (8.314 \; \mathrm{\dfrac{J}{K mol}} ) \times \ln{ \dfrac{30.0 \; \mathrm{L}}{12.0 \; \mathrm{L}}} =1.90 \; \mathrm{\dfrac{J}{K}}\nonumber\]

    Q17

    Consider this. Exactly 2 moles of ice undergoes three different processes.

    1. heated reversibly at atmospheric pressure from temperature X to 0 °C, then
    2. melted reversibly at 0 °C. Finally
    3. it was heated reversibly at atmospheric pressure up to an unknown temperature Y.

    Find temperature X & Y and identify \(ΔS_{\text{surr}}\).

    Given:

    • \(ΔH_{\text{fus}}\) = 6007 J.mol-1
    • \(C_p\) (ice) = 38 J.K-1.mol-1
    • \(C_p\) (water) = 75 J.K-1.mol-1
    • \(ΔS_{\text{I}}\) = 12.034 J.K-1
    • \(ΔS_{\text{III}}\) = 136 J.K-1
    Solution

    Since entropy changes are additive (thanks for them being state functions) and we have the entropy changes for Step I and Step III, all we need to do is calculate \(\Delta S_{II}\). However, we need to calculate temperatures first.

    The equation below can be used to calculate \(ΔS_{sys}\) for a temperature change.

    \[\Delta S = nC_{p} \ln \left(\dfrac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}\right)\]

    To solve for unknown temperature, the equation can be arranged in this way.

    \[\exp(\dfrac{\Delta S}{nC_{p}}) = \dfrac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}\]

    Assuming the \(C_p\) stays constant throughout all the temperature change. Initial temperature X and final temperature Y can be found using the formula below.

    \[T_{x}=T_{2}(\exp(\dfrac{\Delta S_{\text{I}}}{nC_{p}}))^{-1}=(273.15K)(\exp(\dfrac{12.034 J.K^{-1}}{(2.00 mol)(38 J.K^{-1}.mol^{-1})}))^{-1}=233.15K\]

    \[T_{y}=T_{1}(\exp(\dfrac{\Delta S_{\text{III}}}{nC_{p}}))=(273.15K)(\exp(\dfrac{136 J.K^{-1}}{(2.00 mol)(75 J.K^{-1}.mol^{-1})}))=298.15K\]

    ΔSII must also be determined to obtain the ΔSsystem.

    Since the temperature remains constant in the second step, \(ΔS = q_{rev}\).

    \[\Delta S_{\text{II}}= 2\,mol \times \dfrac{6007\,J/mol}{273.15\,K}=43.984\, J.K^{-1}\]

    Since the entire process is reversible,

    \[\mathrm{\Delta {S_{\text{surr}}} + \Delta {S_{\text{system}}} = 0}\nonumber\]

    so

    \[\mathrm{\Delta {S_{\text{surr}}} = - \Delta {S_{\text{system}}} }.\nonumber\]

    Now we add the three entropy changes:

    \[ \begin{align} -\Delta S_{\text{system}} &= -(\Delta S_{\text{I}} + \Delta S_{\text{II}} +\Delta S_{\text{III}}) \\[5pt] &= -(12.034 + 54.98 + 136)J.K^{-1} \\[5pt] &= -80.15\, J.K^{-1} \\[5pt] &= \Delta S_{\text{surr}} \end{align}\]

    Q18

    Suppose 2 moles of water at standard temperature (25°C) and pressure is spontaneously evaporated by allowing it to fall onto a nickel plate maintained at 125°C. Calculate \(\Delta S\) for the water, \(\Delta S\) for the nickel plate, and \(\Delta S_{total}\) if \(C_{p\ce{(H2O)(l)}}\)= 75.4 J/(K.mol) and \(C_{p\ce{(H2O) (g)}}\) = 36.0 J/(K.mol). Take \(\Delta H_{vap}\) = 40.68 KJ/mol for water and its boiling point of 100°C.

    Solution

    \[q_{1} = \Delta H = mc\Delta T = 2 \times 75.4 \dfrac{J}{K.mol} \times (100-25) = 11310 \; J\]

    \[q_{2} = 40680 \dfrac{J}{mol} \times 2 = 81.36 \times 10^{3} \; J\]

    \[q_{3} = \Delta H = mc\Delta T = 2 \times 36 \dfrac{J}{K.mol} \times (125-100) = 1800 \; J\]

    \[q_{total} = 11310 + 81.36 \times 10^{3} + 1800 = 94470 \; J\]

    \[\Delta S_{\ce{H2O}} = nC_{p(\ce{H2O(l)}) }) \ln{\dfrac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}} + nC_{p}(H_{2}O(g)) \ln {\dfrac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}} + n\dfrac{\Delta H}{T}\]

    \[ = (2\times 75.4 \times \ln{\dfrac{373}{298}}) + (2 \times 36 \times \ln {\dfrac{398}{373}}) + (2\times \dfrac{40680}{373}) = 256.6 \dfrac{J}{K}\]

    \[\Delta S_{iron} = \dfrac{-94470 J}{398 K} = -237.4 \dfrac{J}{K}\]

    \[\Delta S_{tot} = \Delta S_{\ce{H2O}} + \Delta S_{\text{iron}} = 19.2 \dfrac{J}{K} \]

    Q19

    A 181.49 g sample of lead at 97.0oC initially is added to a coffee cup calorimeter that contains 150.0 g water which is at 24.7oC. The equilibrium temperature is 29.4oC, assuming that there is no heat lost to the calorimeter or the environment. The molar heat capacity of lead (Cp(Pb)) is 26.4 J K-1 mol-1 and that of water (Cp(H2O)) is 75.2 J K-1 mol-1. What is \(\Delta S\) for the lead sample, \(\Delta S\) for the water sample, and \(\Delta S_{total}\) for this process?

    Solution

    Since this progress is carried out at a constant pressure, and the temperature change for this progress doesn't include a phase transition, the relationship between the \(\Delta S\) and the \(\Delta T\) of a system can be described as:

    \[ \Delta S = nc_{p}ln\left(\frac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}\right)\]

    Convert the temperatures to Kelvin:

    \[T_{equilibrium} = (29.4 + 273.15)K = 302.55 \; K \]

    \[T_{initial, \; Pb} = (97.0 + 273.15) K = 370.15 \; K \]

    \[T_{initial, \; H_{2}O} = (24.7 + 273.15) K = 297.85 \; K \]

    Calculate the amount of moles of the substance present:

    \[ n_{Pb} = 181.49 \; g \; Pb \times \frac{1 \; mol \; Pb}{207.2 \; g \; Pb} = 0.8759 \; mol \; Pb \]

    \[ n_{H_{2}O} = 150.0 \; g \; H_{2}O \times \frac{1 \; mol \; H_{2}O}{18.02 \; g \; H_{2}O} = 8.324 \; mol \; H_{2}O \]

    The given molar heat capacities:

    \[C_{p, \; Pb} = 26.4 \frac {J}{K \cdot mol} \]

    \[C_{p, \; H_{2}O} = 75.2 \frac {J}{K \cdot mol} \]

    Substitute the known variables into the equation: \( \Delta S = nc_{p}ln\left(\frac{T_{2}}{T_{1}}\right) \)

    \[ \Delta S_{Pb} = nc_{p,Pb}ln\left(\frac{T_{equilibrium}}{T_{inital, \; Pb}}\right)\]

    \[ \Delta S_{Pb} = 0.8759 \; mol \; Pb \times 26.4 \frac {J}{K \cdot mol} \times ln\left(\frac{302.55 \; K}{370.15 \; K}\right) = -4.66 \; \frac{J}{K} \]

    \[ \Delta S_{H_{2}O} = nc_{p,H_{2}O}ln\left(\frac{T_{equilibrium}}{T_{inital, \; H_{2}O}}\right) \]

    \[ \Delta S_{H_{2}O} = 8.324 \; mol \; H_{2}O \times 75.2 \frac {J}{K \cdot mol} \times ln\left(\frac{302.55 \; K}{297.85 \; K }\right) = 9.80 \; \frac{J}{K} \]

    \[ \Delta S_{total} = \Delta S_{Pb} + \Delta S_{H_{2}O} = (-4.66 + 9.80) \; \frac{J}{K} = 5.14 \; \frac{J}{K} \]

    Q20

    Copper has a heat capacity of 38.5 J K-1 mol-1, approximately independent of temperature between 0°C to 100°C. Calculate the enthalpy and entropy change of 5.00 moles of copper as it is cooled at atmospheric pressure from 100°C to 0°C.

    Solution

    \[\Delta H = q=nC_{p}\Delta T\]

    \[= (5.00 \; mol) (38.5 \; \dfrac{J}{K.mol}) (273 \; K – 373 \; K)\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta H = -19250 \; J\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta S = nC_{p}ln(\frac{T_{2}}{T_{1}})\]

    \[= (38.5 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}) \ln {(\dfrac{273 \; K}{373 \; K})} (5.00 \; mol)\nonumber\]

    \[= -60.1 \dfrac{J}{K}\nonumber\]

    Q23

    The alkaline earth metals react with oxygen to give the following compounds:

    \[\ce{2 Be (g) + O2 (g) -> 2 BeO (s) } \nonumber\]

    \[\ce{2 Mg (g) + O2 (g) -> 2 MgO (s) } \nonumber\]

    \[\ce{2 Ca (g) + O2 (g) -> 2 CaO (s) }\nonumber\]

    Compute ΔS for each reaction, and identify a periodic trend about the entropy.

    Solution

    All the values you need to solve this problem are in the back of the Oxtoby textbook, so just find the numbers needed and use the formula:

    \[\sum{S^o_{products}} -\sum{S^o_{reactants}} = ΔS^o_{rxn}\nonumber\]

    \[2 Be_{(g)} + O_{2(g)} \rightarrow 2 BeO_{(s)}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{2(14.14) - (2(136.16)+205.03)= -449.07 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}}\nonumber\]

    \[2 Mg_{(g)} + O_{2(g)} \rightarrow 2 MgO_{(s)} \nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{2(26.92) - (2(148.54)+205.03)= -448.27 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}}\nonumber\]

    \[2 Ca_{(g)} + O_{2(g)} \rightarrow 2 CaO_{(s)} \nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{2(39.75) - (2(154.77)+205.03)= -435.07 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}}\nonumber\]

    The entropy of the reaction decreases as you go up the periodic table.

    Q27

    Is the entropy change in the reaction positive, negative or zero and why?

    \[\ce{CH4 (g) + 2 O2 (g) -> CO2 (g) + 2 H2O (l)} \nonumber\]

    Hint: You don't need to actually calculate the change in entropy to determine whether the change in entropy is positive or negative. Think about it conceptually.

    Solution

    The answer is negative because the number of gas molecules decreases. Gas molecules have more entropy than liquid molecules since they have more energy in the form of degrees of freedom of motion (translational, rotational, and vibrational). Therefore, fewer gas molecules mean less entropy.

    Q33

    At \(25.0\text{°C}\) the reaction below is not spontaneous.

    \[\ce{2 H2O (g) -> 2H2 (g) + O2 (g)} \nonumber\]

    with \(\ce{\Delta}{G}\) = \(+228.59\ \frac{kJ}{mol}\)

    If the above reaction were coupled with the following nonspontaneous reaction, could it be made to proceed? Why or Why not?

    \[\ce{3 H2 (g) + N2 (g) <=> 2 NH3 (g)} \nonumber\]

    with \(\ce{\Delta}{G}\) = \(-16.48\ \frac{kJ}{mol}\)

    Solution

    Coupling the nonspontaneous reaction

    \[\ce{2H_2O_{(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2H_{2\, (g)} + O_{2\, (g)}}\nonumber\]

    with \(\ce{\Delta}{G} = +228.59\ \frac{kJ}{mol}\)

    for a spontaneous reaction \( \left( \ce{\Delta}{G} \right) \) is negative.

    \[\ce{3H_{2(g)} + N_{2(g)} \rightleftharpoons 2NH_{3(g)}}\nonumber\]

    with \(\ce{\Delta}{G} = -16.48\ \frac{kJ}{mol}\)

    yields

    \[\ce{2H_2O_{(g)} + \require{cancel} \cancel{3}H_{2(g)} + N_{2(g)} \rightleftharpoons \cancel{2H_{2\, (g)}} + O_{2\, (g)} + 2NH_{3(g)}}\nonumber\]

    with \(\ce{\Delta}{G}\) = \(+212.11\ \frac{kJ}{mol}\)

    Since \(\ce{\Delta}{G}\) is positive, we know the reaction is still not spontaneous after being coupled with a spontaneous reaction

    Q35A

    A reaction at constant temperature and pressure is spontaneous if \(\Delta G<0\) and nonspontaneous if \(\Delta G>0\). Over what range of temperatures is each of the following processes spontaneous? Assume that all gases are at a pressure of 1 atm. (Hint: Use Tables T1 to calculate \(\Delta{H}\) and \(\Delta{S}\) (assumed independent of temperature and equal to \(\Delta{H}^{\circ}\) and \(\Delta{S}^{\circ}\), respectively, and then use the definition of \(\Delta{G}\)).

    1. Photosynthesis, a reaction of how plants produce food for themselves and animals, and convert carbon dioxide into water: \[\ce{6CO2(g) + 6H2O(l) + light -> C6H12O6(s) + 6O2(g) }\nonumber\]
    2. The combustion reaction of propane, found in gas grills and some fireplaces: \[\ce{C3H8(g) + 5O2(g) -> 3CO2(g) + 4H2O(l) }\nonumber\]
    3. Methane burning in \(\ce{O2}\) gas. \[\ce{CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)} \nonumber\]
    Solution

    a. First calculate \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) and \(\Delta S^{\circ}\)of the reaction \(\ce{6 CO2 (g) + 6 H2O(l) + light -> C6H12O6 (s) + 6 O2 (g)}\) from the data in Tables T1.

    \[\Delta H^{\circ}=-1273.3+(6\times0)-(6\times-393.5)-(6\times-285.8)=2802.5\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta S^{\circ}=212.1+(6\times205.2)-(6 \times 213.8)-(6\times70)=-259.5\; \dfrac{J}{mol.K}\nonumber\]

    Since the problem asks for the temperature range in which the reaction is spontaneous. The changeover from spontaneity to non-spontaneity occurs at \(\Delta{G^{\circ}}=0\). To find the temperature the makes \(\Delta{G^{\circ}}=0 \; \), the relationship of \(\Delta{G^{\circ}}=\Delta{H^{\circ}}-T\;\Delta{S^{\circ}} \; \) will be used. Remember to convert \(\Delta{S^{\circ}} \; \) to \(kJ\;mol^{-1} \; \) (or \(\Delta{H^{\circ}} \; \) to \(J\;mol^{-1} \; \)) so that the units cancel out properly.

    \[T=\frac{\Delta H^{\circ}}{\Delta S^{\circ}}=\frac{2802.5 \;\dfrac{kJ}{mol}}{0.2595\; \dfrac{kJ}{mol.K}}=10799.6\;K\nonumber\]

    Because \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) and \(\Delta S^{\circ}\) are both positive, the reaction is spontaneous at temperatures above 10799.6 K.

    Reviewer Note: The solution is incorrect here. Because \(\Delta H^{\circ} > 0\) and \(\Delta S^{\circ} < 0\), the reaction is never spontaneous. 

    b. Perform similar calculations for the reaction \(\ce{C3H8 (g) + 5 O2 (g) -> 3CO2 (g) + 4 H2O (l)}\)

    \[\Delta H^{\circ}=(3\times-393.5)+(4\times-285.83)+103.8-(5\times0)=-2220.02\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta S^{\circ}=(3\times28)+(4\times70)-270.3-(5\times 205.2)=-374.9\;\dfrac{J}{mol.K}\nonumber\]

    \[T=\frac{\Delta H^{\circ}}{\Delta S^{\circ}}=\frac{2220.02\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol}}{0.3749\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol.K}}=5922\;K\nonumber\]

    Since \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) and \(\Delta S^{\circ}\) are both negative, the reaction is spontaneous below 5922 K.

    c. The reaction \(\ce{CH4 (g) + 2 O2 (g) -> CO2 (g) + 2 H2O (l)}\)

    \[\Delta H^{\circ}=(-393.5)+(2\times-285.8)+74.6-(2\times0)=-890.5\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta S^{\circ}=(28)+(2\times70)-186.3-(2\times205.2)=-242.9\; \dfrac{J}{mol.K}\nonumber\]

    \[T=\frac{\Delta H^{\circ}}{\Delta S^{\circ}}=\dfrac{-890.5\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol}}{-0.2429\;\dfrac{kJ}{mol.K}}=3666\;K\nonumber\]

    Since \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) and \(\Delta S^{\circ}\) are both negative, the reaction is spontaneous below 3666 K.

    Q35B

    Over what temperatures are these reactions spontaneous (under constant pressure and temperature)? You may need to use Table 1.

    1. \(\ce{S (s, rhombic) + Zn (s) \rightarrow ZnS (s, sphalerite)}\)
    2. \(\ce{2Cu(s) + Cl2 \rightarrow 2CuCl (s)}\)
    3. \(\ce{4Al(s) + 3O2(g) \rightarrow 2Al2O3(s)}\)
    Answer

    By calculating \(∆H_{rxn}\) and \(∆S_{rxn}\) un der standard conditions and at 25oC, we can calculate the range of temperature in which ∆G is positive and therefore spontaneous. To calculate \(∆H_{rxn}\) and \(∆S_{rxn}\), we use Hess’s Law , in which:

    \[ \Delta{H_{rxn}} = \sum{nH_{products}} - \sum{nH_{reactants}} \nonumber\]

    \[ \Delta{S_{rxn}} = \sum{nS_{products}} - \sum{nS_{reactants}} \nonumber\]

    a)

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{H_{rxn}} = -206.0 – (0 + 0) = -206.0 \dfrac{kJ}{mol}}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{S_{rxn}} = 57.7 – (41.6 + 32.1) = -16 \dfrac{J}{K.mol} }\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{G_{rxn}} = -206.0 - T(-0.016)}\nonumber\]

    From here, we can set T = 0 because we know that ∆G must be < 0 to be a spontaneous reaction.

    T<12875K

    b) \[\mathrm{\Delta{H_{rxn}} = (2 \times -137.2) – (0+0) = -274.4 \dfrac{kJ}{mol}}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{S_{rxn}} = (2 \times 86.2) – ((2 \times 33.2) + 223.1) = -117.1 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{G_{rxn}} = -274.4- T(-0.1171)}\nonumber\]

    T < 2343.3K

    c) \[\mathrm{\Delta{H_{rxn}} = (2(-1675.7)) - (0+0) = -3351.4 \dfrac{kJ}{mol} }\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{S_{rxn}} = (2(50.92) - (4(28.3) + (3(205.2)) = -626.96 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{G_{rxn}} = -3351.4 - T(-0.62696)}\nonumber\]

    T < 5345.5K

    Q37

    Determine if the following reaction is spontaneous at 25°C by evaluating ∆H°rxn, ∆S°rxn and ∆G°rxn.

    \[\ce{N2H4 (l) + O2 (g) -> N2 (g) + 2 H2O (l)} \nonumber\]

    Solution
    • \(\mathrm{\Delta{H^{\circ}_{rxn}} = 0 +(2 \times -285.8) – 0 - 50.6 = 622.2 \frac{kJ}{mol}}\)
    • \(\mathrm{\Delta{S^{\circ}_{rxn}}=(2 \times 70.0)+ 191.6 – 205.2 – 121.2 = 5.2 \frac{J}{mol.K}}\)
    • \(\mathrm{\Delta{G^{\circ}_{rxn}} = -622.2 – (25 + 273.15)(0.0052) =-623.8 \frac{kJ}{mol}}\)

    => Spontaneous (\(\Delta{G^{\circ}_{rxn}} < 0\) )

    Q39

    A thermodynamic engine operates cyclically and reversibly between two temperatures reservoirs, absorbing heat from the high-temperature bath at 600 K and discarding heat to low-temperature bath at 300 K.

    1. What is the thermodynamic efficiency of the engine?
    2. How much heat is absorbed from the high-temperature bath if -1800 J of heat is discarded to the low-temperature bath during each cycle?
    3. How much work does the engine perform in one cycle of operation?
    Solution

    (a) \[\mathrm{Thermodynamic \; efficiency = \dfrac{(T_1 – T_2)}{T_1}}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\dfrac{(600 \; K- 300 \; K)}{ (600 \; K)} \times 100 \%= 50 \% }\nonumber\]

    (b)\[\mathrm{\dfrac{1800 \; J}{ 50 \%}= 3600 \; J }\nonumber\]

    (c) \[\mathrm{-3600 \; J \times 50 \%= -1800 \; J}\nonumber\]

    Q41

    Acetone (\(\ce{C_3H_6O}\)) is an volatile liquid with a normal boiling point of 56°C and a molar enthalpy of vaporization of 29.1 kJ mol-1. What is the molar entropy of vaporization of acetone under 1 atm of pressure?

    Solution

    First we need the write the equation relating entropy and enthalpy:

    \[\Delta G_{vap}= \Delta H_{vap} - T\Delta S_{vap}\nonumber\]

    As a result of the process of normal boiling being at quilibrium \(\Delta G = 0\) so all that needs to be done is T in Kelvin and \(\Delta H_{vap}\) needs to be plugged in and then we solve for \(\Delta S_{vap}\):

    \[\mathrm{0 = 29.1 \; \dfrac{kJ}{mol} – (329 \; K)( \Delta{S_{vap}} )}\nonumber\]

    \[\mathrm{\Delta{S_{vap}} = 88.45 \dfrac{J}{K.mol}}\nonumber\]

    Q53

    Under standard conditions and 25°C, you have this reversible process \[\ce{Sn(s, white) -> Sn(s,gray)} \nonumber\]

    1. Is the change in entropy (\(\Delta S\)) for this reaction positive or negative? Calculate the change in entropy using Table T1.
    2. Calculate (\(\Delta S\)) for the reaction if \(\Delta H\) for this reaction is -2.1 kJ/mol.
    Solution

    For part a), we use the formula \[\Delta S° = \sum nS^\circ (\ce{products})-\sum nS^\circ (\ce{reactants})\nonumber\]

    Plugging in the values from Table T1 gives us \[\Delta S = 44.1 - 55.2 = -7.1 \frac {J}{mol \cdot K}\nonumber\]

    For part b), we use the formula for a reversible process \[\Delta S = \frac {\Delta H}{T}\nonumber\]

    \(\Delta S = \frac {-2100 \; J/mol}{298.15 \; K}\)

    \(\Delta S = -7.04 \frac {J}{mol \cdot K}\)

    Q59

    Compute the \(\Delta{G_{f}^{\circ}}\) for the following reaction the reaction. The \(\Delta{G_{f}^{\circ}}\) of H2SO(aq) is -537.81 kJ mol-1, the \(\Delta{G_{f}^{\circ}}\) of SO2 (g) is -300.19 kJ mol-1, and the \(\Delta{G_{f}^{\circ}}\) of H2O (g) is -120.42 kJ mol-1.

    \[\ce{H2SO3 (aq) -> H2O (g) + SO2 (g)} \nonumber\]

    Solution

    ∆G° for the reaction is equal to the sum of the Gf° for the products minus the sum of the Gf° for the reactants.

    \[\Delta G^{\circ}= \left(-300.19 \dfrac{kJ}{mol}+-120.42\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\right)- \left(-537.81\dfrac{kJ}{mol} \right)\nonumber\]

    \[\Delta G^{\circ}=117.2\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\nonumber\]

    Q61

    Professor Nesral wants to create some water through the combustion of hydrogen. This reaction is depicted as follows:

    \[\ce{2 H2  (g) + O2 (g) -> 2 H2O (g)}\nonumber\]

    Is this reaction spontaneous? Prove it by calculating \(\Delta{G^{\circ}}\) at 298.15K. Suppose that Nesral asks his friend in El Azizia, Libya, where the temperature is around \(57^{\circ}C\) (330K), to perform the same reaction. Calculate the Gibbs energy for this value and compare it to \(\Delta{G^{\circ}}\).

    Relevant Information:

    Entropy Values (\(S^{\circ}\); \(\dfrac{J}{mol\,K}\))

    • Hydrogen: \(130.6\)
    • Water: \(188.7\)
    • Oxygen: \(205.6\)

    Enthalpy Values(\(H^{\circ}\); \(\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\))

    • \(\Delta{H_{f}^{\circ}}\) Water: \(-241.826\)
    Solution

    From intuition, the equation shows that 3 moles of gas, 2 moles of \(\ce{H2}\) and 1 mole of \(\ce{O2}\), are reacting to form 2 moles of \(\ce{H2O}\) gas. This is a decrease in entropy, which may hint at the reaction being non spontaneous. \(\Delta{G}^{\circ}\) should still be calculated to make sure.

    The information provided is the entropic values of the product and reactants, and the enthalpy of water. If the \(\Delta{S}^{\circ}\) is calculated, then the \(\Delta{G}^{\circ}\) can also be found using the following equation:

    \(\Delta{G} = \Delta{H_{rxn}^{\circ}} – T\Delta{S_{rxn}^{\circ}}\).

    Where \(\Delta{H_{rxn}^{\circ}}\) is the Heat and \(\Delta{S_{rxn}^{\circ}}\) is the entropy of the reaction under standard conditions (constant pressure), and T is temperature. Knowing that \(\Delta{S_{rxn}^{\circ}}\) is a state variable, it can be calculated as the difference between the sum of the entropy values of the products and reactants multiplied by their coefficients (This is known as Hess’s Law). In other words,

    \(\Delta{S^{\circ}}=\sum{n_{products}\times{S_{f_{products}}^{\circ}}} - \sum{n_{reactants}\times{S_{f_{reactants}}^{\circ}}}\)

    From this, \(\Delta{S_{rxn}^{\circ}}\) can be calculated as such:

    \(\Delta{S^{\circ}} = \left(2\times188.7\dfrac{J}{molK}\right)- \left(\left[2\times130.6\dfrac{J}{molK}\right]+\left[205.6\dfrac{J}{molK}\right]\right)\)

    \(= -89.4\dfrac{J}{mol.K}\)

    Since both \(H_{2}\) and \(O_{2}\) are in their natural states, the \(H_{f}^{\circ}\) associated with them equals to zero. Since enthalpy (\(\Delta{H_{rxn}^{\circ}}\)) is also a state variable, it can be calculated with Hess's Law as well.

    \(\Delta{H^{\circ}} = \left(2\times-241.826\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\right)- \left(\left[0\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\right]+\left[0\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\right]\right)\)

    \(\Delta{H^{\circ}}= -483.652\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\)

    Plugging in these values, as well as the temperature, \(298.15K\), will yield \(\Delta{G}^{\circ}\).

    \(\Delta{G_{rxn}^{\circ}} = \Delta{H_{rxn}^{\circ}} – T\Delta{S_{rxn}^{\circ}}\).

    \(\Delta{G_{rxn}^{\circ}} = -483.652\dfrac{kJ}{mol} – 298.15K\left(-0.0894\dfrac{kJ}{mol.K}\right)\).

    \(\Delta{G_{rxn}^{\circ}}= -456.99739\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\)

    The \(\Delta{G_{rxn}}\) is therefore \(-456.99739\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\). This very negative value means that the reaction is DEFINITELY spontaneous. It also makes sense on a conceptual level because combustion reaction like these release a lot of heat, which means that the process if enthalpically driven! Calculating the \(\Delta{G_{rxn}}\) at a different temperature, as mentioned in the problem, has the same method:

    \(\Delta{G_{rxn}} = \Delta{H_{rxn}^{\circ}} – T\Delta{S_{rxn}^{\circ}}\).

    \(\Delta{G_{rxn}} = -483.652\dfrac{kJ}{mol} – 330K\left(-0.0894\dfrac{kJ}{mol.K}\right)\).

    \(\Delta{G_{rxn}}= -454.15\dfrac{kJ}{mol}\)

    In both situations the \(\Delta{G_{rxn}}\) is very negative, but in the hotter climate it is slightly less so. What this shows is that, at a higher temperatures the entropic factors contribute more to the gibbs energy than at standard conditions. This showcases the temperature dependence of entropy. In another reaction that released less energy, this difference may have made the reaction non-spontaneous!

    Abstract : Hess's Law to find \(\Delta{G_{rxn}}\).

    Q63A

    The concentration of sodium in the plasma is approximately 0.14 M. While in the fluid outside of the plasma, sodium concentration is about 0.5 M.

    1. In what direction will the sodium ions spontaneously move past the cell wall?
    2. The spontaneous process of movement in part a is called "passive transport". Movement in the opposite direction is called "active transport" and requires work to happen. Calculate the amount of free energy required to move 5 moles of Na+ by active transport (non-spontaneous direction) at 273 K.
    Solution

    a) The Na+ ions will spontaneously flow into the plasma because it flows from high to low concentration.

    b) \(\mathrm{\Delta{G} = nRT \ln{\frac{c_2}{c_1}} }\) where c2 is the destination of Na+ after active transport occurs while c1 is the original concentration of the Na+ ions.

    \(\mathrm{\Delta{G} = (5 \; mole)(8.3145 \frac{J}{K.mol})(273 \; K)\ln{\frac{0.5}{0.14}}}\)

    \(\mathrm{\Delta{G} = 14447.26 \; J}\)

     

    Q63B

    For a hypothetical nerve cell, the sodium ion concentration is 0.015 M outside the cell and 0.00045 M inside the cell. Active transport involves using proteins and chemical energy stored in ATP to move the ions in a thermodynamically unfavorable direction. Assuming that conditions in the cell allow the hydrolysis of a single ATP molecule to give 2.05×10-18 J of usable enegy. How many molecules of ATP would be needed to move 0.005 moles of sodium ions using active transport at standard conditions? You can assume that the sodium ion concentrations remain constant.

    Solution

    To answer this question, the change of free energy is needed which means the following equation is needed

    \[ \Delta G = - R T lnQ \nonumber\]

    \[ R = 8.314\; \dfrac{J}{mol.K} \; \; \; \; \; \; \; T=298K \; \; \; \; \; \; \; Q = \dfrac{[Na^{+}]_{in}}{[Na^{+}]_{out}} \nonumber\]

    \[\Delta G = - 8.314\; \dfrac{J}{mol.K} \times 298K \times ln(\dfrac{0.00045\; M}{0.015\; M}) \nonumber\]

    \[\Delta G = -2424\; \dfrac{J}{mol} \times ln(0.03) = 8688\; \dfrac{J}{mol} \nonumber\]

    Now that we have the the free energy, we can determine the number of ATP molecules needed

    \[ 8688\; \dfrac{J}{mol} \times 0.005\; mol = 43.4\; J\nonumber\]

    \[\dfrac {43.4\; J} {2.05 \times 10^{-18}\; J\; molecule^{-1}} = 2.119 \times 10^{19}\; \text{ ATP molecules} \nonumber\]

    Answer: \(2.119 \times 10^{19}\; \text{ ATP molecules}\)


    13.E: Spontaneous Processes (Exercises) is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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