What is the significance of the Gibbs Free Energy of formation (ΔGf°)?
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the significance of the Gibbs Free Energy of formation (ΔGf°)?
It indicates the stability of a compound.
It is the energy required to form a compound from its elements.
It is always negative.
It is temperature dependent.
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the significance of the Gibbs Free Energy of formation (ΔGf°)?
Step 1: Understand that Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is a measure of energy available to do work in a system.
Step 2: Know that ΔGf° specifically refers to the Gibbs Free Energy change when a compound is formed from its elements.
Step 3: Recognize that 'standard states' means the elements are in their most stable form at 1 atmosphere of pressure and a specified temperature (usually 25°C).
Step 4: Realize that a negative ΔGf° value indicates that the formation of the compound is spontaneous and releases energy.
Step 5: Understand that a positive ΔGf° value means that forming the compound requires energy input and is not spontaneous.
