What is the relationship between Gibbs Free Energy and the equilibrium constant
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the relationship between Gibbs Free Energy and the equilibrium constant (K)?
ΔG = -RT ln(K)
ΔG = RT ln(K)
ΔG = KRT
ΔG = K - RT
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the relationship between Gibbs Free Energy and the equilibrium constant (K)?
Correct Answer: ΔG = -RT ln(K)
Step 1: Understand that Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is a measure of the energy available to do work in a system.
Step 2: Know that the equilibrium constant (K) tells us the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium in a chemical reaction.
Step 3: Learn the formula that connects ΔG and K: ΔG = -RT ln(K).
Step 4: Identify the variables in the formula: R is the gas constant (approximately 8.314 J/(mol·K)), T is the temperature in Kelvin, and ln(K) is the natural logarithm of the equilibrium constant K.
Step 5: Realize that if ΔG is negative, the reaction is spontaneous and K is greater than 1, meaning products are favored.
Step 6: If ΔG is positive, the reaction is non-spontaneous and K is less than 1, meaning reactants are favored.
