Chemistry Confusion in relation of Gibbs free energy and equilibrium constant

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the equilibrium constant (Kp) for the reaction SO2(g) + 1/2 O2(g) ⇌ SO3(g) at 298 Kelvin, given ΔH = -98.32 kJ/mole and ΔS = -95 J/(mole-K). The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) is calculated using the formula ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, resulting in ΔG = -70.01 kJ/mol. The equilibrium constant is derived from ΔG using the equation ΔG = -RT ln Keq, yielding Keq = 1.86 x 10^12. The discussion highlights the confusion regarding whether Keq corresponds to Kp or Kc, emphasizing that Kp is applicable in this case as the reaction involves gases at standard state conditions.

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  • Understanding of Gibbs free energy and its relation to equilibrium constants
  • Familiarity with the concepts of Kp and Kc in chemical equilibria
  • Knowledge of standard state conditions for gases
  • Proficiency in using the ideal gas constant R = 8.314 J/(K·mol)
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  • Learn about the differences between Kp and Kc, including their calculations and applications
  • Research standard state conditions and their implications for gas reactions
  • Explore the significance of Δn in the context of equilibrium constants
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Chemistry students, chemical engineers, and researchers involved in thermodynamics and chemical equilibria will benefit from this discussion.

tbn032
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Homework Statement
for the reaction
SO2(g)+(1/2)O2(g)⇌SO3(g);ΔH=-98.32KJ/mole,ΔS=-95J/(mole-K).
find Kp at 298 Kelvin?
Relevant Equations
SO2(g)+(1/2)O2(g)⇌SO3(g);ΔH=-98.32KJ/mole,ΔS=-95J/(mole-K).
SO2(g)+1/2O2(g)SO3(g);ΔHo=-98.32KJ/mole,ΔSo=-95J/(mole-K).
find Kp at 298 Kelvin?
In given question at first Δ G will be calculated using formula ΔG = Δ H – T x ΔS, by putting the given values in formula we get ΔG = -70.01 kJ/mol.
Then Keq will be calculated using equation = Δ G = -RT ln Keq ,ln Keq = -70010J/-8.314 x 298 = 28.25 .or Keq = e28.25 = 1.86x1012.
Now my confusion is Keq=Kpor Keq=Kc(depending on if we measure the equilibrium constant in terms of pressure or molarity, gases can be measured in both).and
Kp = Kc(RT)Δn and Δn=-1/2(for this reaction).
No information about the pressure or concentration is given so how do I conclude that Keq=Kp or Keq=Kc and thus calculate the correct value of Kp
 
Last edited:
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Given the temperature 298 Kelvin, is this reaction at the 'standard state'? If so, the pressure is ambient or ~1 atm (100 kPa, or 1 bar).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standard_state#Conventional_standard_states

Given the standard state, one should be able to determine the density of the gases. What does one's textbook indicate about STP, standard state and Gibbs free energy?

The problem statement one provides indicates gases.
 
Last edited:
my confusion is arising from the fact that in my book it is written that
Δ G = -RT ln Keq
Keq=KporKc as the standard state is referred in terms of partial pressure or concentration
Δ G = -RT ln Kp
Δ G = -RT ln Kk
if calculate the value of Keq from the equation Δ G = -RT ln Keq using R=8.3144598J⋅K-1⋅mol-1.the value of Keq is dimensionless
so I am not able to conclude if Keq=Kp or Keq=Kc
kp≠kc because Kp = Kc(RT)Δn and Δn=-1/2(for this reaction).
20221030_174752.jpg
 
Last edited:
The standard state for gases is 1 bar. So, in this example, the Keq is Kp. It is in terms of the partial pressures of the components in bars.

Incidentally, you omitted the superscript 0 in ##\Delta G^0##
 
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tbn032 said:
Homework Statement:: for the reaction
SO2(g)+(1/2)O2(g)⇌SO3(g);ΔH=-98.32KJ/mole,ΔS=-95J/(mole-K).
find Kp at 298 Kelvin?
Relevant Equations:: SO2(g)+(1/2)O2(g)⇌SO3(g);ΔH=-98.32KJ/mole,ΔS=-95J/(mole-K).

SO2(g)+1/2O2(g)SO3(g);ΔHo=-98.32KJ/mole,ΔSo=-95J/(mole-K).
find Kp at 298 Kelvin?
In given question at first Δ G will be calculated using formula ΔG = Δ H – T x ΔS, by putting the given values in formula we get ΔG = -70.01 kJ/mol.
Then Keq will be calculated using equation = Δ G = -RT ln Keq ,ln Keq = -70010J/-8.314 x 298 = 28.25 .or Keq = e28.25 = 1.86x1012.
Now my confusion is Keq=Kpor Keq=Kc(depending on if we measure the equilibrium constant in terms of pressure or molarity, gases can be measured in both).and
Kp = Kc(RT)Δn and Δn=-1/2(for this reaction).
No information about the pressure or concentration is given so how do I conclude that Keq=Kp or Keq=Kc and thus calculate the correct value of Kp
The equation is giving it up as you have SO2(g) you are dealing with gases
 

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