A problem from thermodynamics -- Freezing of water at 273 K and 1 atm

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the thermodynamic process of freezing water at 273 K and 1 atm. Key conclusions include that the change in internal energy (ΔU) is zero, the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) is also zero, and the change in entropy of the system (ΔSsys) is negative (ΔSsys < 0). The process is exothermic, as heat is released when water freezes into ice, and work done (w) is not zero due to volume changes during the phase transition.

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  • Understanding of the First Law of Thermodynamics
  • Knowledge of phase changes and their thermodynamic implications
  • Familiarity with Gibbs free energy and entropy concepts
  • Basic principles of kinetic and potential energy in thermodynamic systems
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  • Learn about phase transitions and their thermodynamic properties
  • Explore the relationship between Gibbs free energy and spontaneity of reactions
  • Investigate the specific heat capacities of water and ice
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This discussion is beneficial for students studying thermodynamics, particularly those focusing on phase changes, as well as educators and professionals in the fields of chemistry and physics.

vijayramakrishnan
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Homework Statement


Freezing of water at 273 K and 1 atm

which of the following is true for the above thermodynamics process
p) q=0
q)w=0
r)ΔSsys<0
s)ΔU=0
t)ΔG=0

Homework Equations


none[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
i got r, s ,t

since the reaction happens at constant temperature,internal energy is constant
since the reaction is open so it is isobaric in nature and since the volume changes due to phase change,so work done is not zero,so heat must be exchanged(first law of thermodynamics).
randomness decreases so ΔSsys<0

but answer given is r t q

i couldn't understand please help.
 
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vijayramakrishnan said:

Homework Statement


i got r, s ,t

since the reaction happens at constant temperature,internal energy is constant
since the reaction is open so it is isobaric in nature and since the volume changes due to phase change,so work done is not zero,so heat must be exchanged(first law of thermodynamics).
randomness decreases so ΔSsys<0

but answer given is r t q

i couldn't understand please help.
##\Delta U## includes potential energy. In order to form ice, the water molecules lose potential energy and rotational kinetic energy. Average translational kinetic energy does not change (i.e. temperature) but average potential energy per molecule decreases and there is loss of rotational kinetic energy. The process is exothermic (heat flows out of the water to form ice).

Since ##\Delta Q < 0##, ##\Delta S = \int dQ/T = \Delta Q/T < 0##.

Since P and T are constant, ##\Delta G = \Delta Q - T\Delta S = T\Delta S - T\Delta S = 0##

I am not sure about w = 0, however. Ice takes up more volume than liquid water (which is why ice floats). So there is a small amount of work done on the surroundings.

[later edits are in italics]

AM
 
Last edited:
Andrew Mason said:
##\Delta U## includes potential energy. In order to form ice, the water molecules lose potential energy. Average kinetic energy does not change (i.e. temperature) but average potential energy per molecule decreases. The process is exothermic (heat flows out of the water to form ice).

Since ##\Delta Q < 0##, ##\Delta S = \int dQ/T = \Delta Q/T < 0##.

Since P and T are constant, ##\Delta G = \Delta Q - T\Delta S = T\Delta S - T\Delta S = 0##

I am not sure about w = 0, however. Ice takes up more volume than liquid water (which is why ice floats). So there is a small amount of work done on the surroundings.

AM
thank you very much sir,understood it.
 
With respect to the internal energy, I should have said that the average translational kinetic energy does not change. The specific heat of water is greater than the specific heat of ice. This is because H2O molecules lose rotational kinetic energy when they freeze to form ice because they lose the rotational degree of freedom.

AM
 

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