Gibbs free energy and enthelpy relationship

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between Gibbs free energy and enthalpy, specifically under conditions of constant temperature and pressure. The equations dH = dU + PdV and dG = dU + PdV - TdS are analyzed, highlighting the differences in the terms used for enthalpy and Gibbs free energy. The conversation clarifies that while both equations involve the PV term, the Gibbs free energy incorporates additional factors like temperature changes, leading to the inclusion of the VdP and TdS terms. The distinction between the chemical potential μ and pressure is also emphasized, noting that they are not interchangeable.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic concepts such as enthalpy and Gibbs free energy
  • Familiarity with differential calculus in the context of thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of the laws of thermodynamics, particularly the first and second laws
  • Basic grasp of chemical potential and its relation to pressure and temperature
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Gibbs free energy equation in thermodynamics
  • Explore the implications of constant temperature and pressure on thermodynamic equations
  • Learn about the role of chemical potential in thermodynamic systems
  • Investigate the applications of Gibbs free energy in chemical reactions and phase transitions
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Students and professionals in chemistry and physics, particularly those focusing on thermodynamics, chemical engineering, and physical chemistry. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of energy relationships in thermodynamic systems.

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***i just realized that i posted this in the wrong section; could a moderator perhaps move this thread to the classical physics section please? Sorry for the trouble***

enthalpy is the energy available if a system with some defined volume were to be annihilated and have the atmosphere collapse inward where the atmospheric pressure remains constant. hence..

dH= dU + PdV (i like sticking to differentials)


Gibbs: this one takes place at constant temperature and pressure. I don't understand why we do the following for the gibbs:

G=U+PV-TS ----> dG=dU+d(PV)-d(TS) ----> dG=dU+PdV+VdP-TdS-SdT

Question 1: the cases for both the enthalpy and gibbs free energy involve the environment being at constant pressure hence the PV term right? (if I'm wrong please correct me) so why do i use PdV for one of them (enthalpy case) and PdV+VdP for the other (the gibbs case)?


Question 2: VdP looks like the case where we are shoving/compressing air into a fixed volume (perhaps a container or something...), so i was wondering, could this term could be somehow combined with the μdN term? it doesn't seem necessary to keep both terms around since they seem like different expressions for the same thing.
 
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1.) Technically, you use
P dV + V dP for both of them, but at constant pressure, V dP =0, so that
dH = dU + P dV.

In the Gibbs free energy case, you have both constant temperature and pressure, so that both V dP =0, and S dT =0 giving us that
dG = dU + P dV -T dS.

2.) V dP and \mu dN are not generally expressions of the same thing. The chemical potential is not uniquely defined by the pressure, since it is a function of temperature as well. Where the enthalpy is equal to the internal energy plus the work needed to displace the atmosphere around the system at constant pressure (H = U + PV), the Gibbs free energy is equal to this minus the heat taken (at constant temperature) from the surroundings to bring the system in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding atmosphere (G = H-TS). In this sense the Gibbs free energy is like the internal energy plus the work you actually need to put in given that you get this heat for free.
 

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