Calculating X: Element Fraction from Mole Number

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    Element Fraction Mole
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between element fraction (X) and mole number (n) in the context of chemical compounds and solutions. Participants explore the definitions and distinctions between mole fractions and mass fractions, as well as their implications in thermodynamic contexts, particularly regarding Gibbs free energy.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether X (element fraction) is equivalent to n (mole number), suggesting that it may depend on the context.
  • Another participant notes that mole numbers are typically whole numbers and highlights the difference between mass fractions and mole fractions, requesting an example for clarification.
  • A participant provides an example involving a binary solution and references a graph related to Gibbs free energy, raising a question about the relationship between changes in mole number and changes in composition (dn=dx) in the context of chemical potential.
  • Further clarification is provided on the calculation of mole fractions, including the formula for mole fraction and the relationship between the Gibbs free energies of pure components and their mixtures.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the equivalence of X and n, and multiple views regarding the definitions and calculations of mole fractions and Gibbs free energy are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the definitions of mole fractions and Gibbs free energy, and the implications of these definitions are not fully resolved. The example provided relies on specific conditions related to binary solutions.

asdf1
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Does X=n? X is the element fraction in a compound, and n is the mole number of an element.
 
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It may or may not depending on the basis.

The mole number is usually given as a 'whole number' or 'integer', e.g. Al2O3 or C2H4.

Mass fractions and mole fractions are different.

Please provide an example.
 
Ex. For a binary solution, there's a graph with the Gibbs free energy of componet A on the left y axis, Gibbs free energy of componet B on the right y axis, and with XB as the x axis.

See the bottom diagram on pg6 of http://addis.caltech.edu/research/gibbs.pdf#search=%22gibbs%20free%20energy%20in%20binary%20solution%22

the straight line that passes through point (4) and (5) also equals the chemical potential on intersecting the left and right y axes. Therefore, I'm wondering if dn=dx, because the definition for
chemical potential=(dG)/(dn)
 
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Xi = mole fraction of i = Ni / ΣNi

x is written in terms of the mole fraction of one of the components,

and

If the (molar) gibbs free energy of pure A is gA, and that of pure B is gB, then the (molar) gibbs free energy for the combination of pure components is g (pure, combined) = gA•XA + gB•XB
 
thank you~
 

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