Can Equilibrium Be Achieved at 1 atm for N_2, H_2, and NH_3?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on achieving equilibrium for the reaction N2 (g) + 3H2 (g) <--> 2NH3 (g) at a partial pressure of 1 atm for each component. The key equations involved are ΔG = ΔH° - TΔS° and ΔG° = -RT ln Keq. The participants clarify that at equilibrium, ΔG is zero, and they discuss the implications of ΔG° not being zero, indicating that a temperature where all gases are at 1 atm cannot exist. The equilibrium constant Keq must be expressed in terms of pressure and temperature based on the given ΔG°.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and its relationship to equilibrium.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°).
  • Knowledge of the ideal gas law and partial pressures.
  • Basic principles of chemical thermodynamics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Gibbs free energy equation and its applications in chemical reactions.
  • Learn how to calculate equilibrium constants (Keq) from standard Gibbs free energy changes.
  • Explore the relationship between temperature, pressure, and equilibrium in gas-phase reactions.
  • Investigate the implications of ΔG° values on reaction spontaneity and equilibrium position.
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, chemical engineers, and researchers focusing on thermodynamics and chemical equilibrium in gas-phase reactions.

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[tex]N_2 (g) + 3H2(g)[/tex] <--> [tex]2NH3(g)[/tex]

[tex]\Delta H^{\circ} of NH3 = -46.2 kJ/mol[/tex]
[tex]\Delta G^{\circ} of NH3 = -16.7 kJ/mol[/tex]

At what temperature can [tex]N_2, H_2, and NH_3[/tex] gases by maintained at equilibrium each with a partial pressure of 1 atm?

The solution my book uses is to solve for T in the equation [tex]\Delta G = \Delta H^{\circ} - T\Delta S^{\circ}[/tex] with [tex]\Delta G = 0[/tex]

Is this relationship true?

Also, how can you be sure that at that temperature, the pressures will all be 1 atm?

I thought [tex]\Delta G = \Delta G^{\circ} + RT \ln Q[/tex]?

If reactants/products are all 1 atm, then ln Q = 0, and [tex]\Delta G^{\circ}[/tex] must equal zero, which it clearly does not, thus there shouldn't exist a temperature where this is possible.
 
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Careful, at equilibrium delta G is zero, not delta G naught

At equilibrium


delta G naught=-RT lnKeq

you are given delta G naught, you know R, what is Keq expression in terms of pressure and temperature?
 

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