Confused about gibbs free energy

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SUMMARY

The Gibbs free energy, also known as Gibbs energy or Gibbs function, is a thermodynamic potential that quantifies the maximum reversible work obtainable from a thermodynamic system at constant temperature and pressure. It is essential to understand that Gibbs free energy is applicable under these conditions, and its change (ΔG) is not zero for spontaneous reactions. The equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS is crucial for determining the spontaneity of reactions, where ΔH represents enthalpy change and ΔS represents entropy change. Misinterpretations arise when equating ΔS with q/T or ΔH/T in irreversible reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of thermodynamic concepts, particularly Gibbs free energy.
  • Familiarity with the equations ΔG = ΔH - TΔS and their implications.
  • Knowledge of the difference between reversible and irreversible reactions.
  • Basic grasp of enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) in chemical reactions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Gibbs free energy in chemical equilibrium.
  • Learn about the Helmholtz free energy and its applications at constant volume.
  • Explore the relationship between spontaneity and Gibbs free energy changes in various reactions.
  • Investigate the role of temperature and pressure in thermodynamic processes.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in chemistry, particularly those studying thermodynamics, chemical engineering, and physical chemistry, will benefit from this discussion on Gibbs free energy and its applications in reaction spontaneity.

jd12345
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Wikipedia says :
In thermodynamics, the Gibbs free energy (IUPAC recommended name: Gibbs energy or Gibbs function; also known as free enthalpy[1] to distinguish it from Helmholtz free energy) is a thermodynamic potential that measures the "useful" or process-initiating work obtainable from a thermodynamic system at a constant temperature and pressure (isothermal, isobaric).

So is gibbs free energy only valid for constant pressure and temperature?
I tried to find change in gibbs free energy of a chemical reaction under these conditions and it always comes zero.

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS ... temperature is constant
ΔG = ΔH - TΔH/T... at constant pressure q = ΔH
ΔG = 0

there is something wrong in this as reactions do happen at constant pressure and temperature adn gibbs free energy change is not zero
 
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The Gibbs (free) energy is used in cases of constant pressure and temperature, just as the Helmholtz (free) energy is used in cases of constant volume and temperature.

Other than that, I am not entirely sure what you are trying to do with those equations. Certainly, some reactions do occur spontaneously under constant temperature and pressure while others don't, depending on the value of the Gibbs (free) energy for that process.
 
Various people already tried to convince you that in case of an irreversible reaction it is not correct to equate Delta S as q/T or Delta H/T.
A chemical reaction in equilibrium will in deed not be able to do work.
 
Got it - thanx
 

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