General Chemistry - gibbs free energy

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the Gibbs free energy change (\(\Delta G^{\circ}\)) for a specific electrochemical reaction involving lead and hydrogen ions. Participants explore the necessary equations and calculations related to this thermodynamic concept.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to start solving the problem and suspects they are missing an equation.
  • Another participant points out that the missing equation relates the cell potential to the change in Gibbs free energy.
  • A later reply provides the equation \(\Delta G^\circ = -nFE^\circ\) and applies it to the reaction, calculating \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) as -24 kJ/mol.
  • Participants discuss the half-reactions involved and their respective standard electrode potentials.
  • One participant confirms that the calculations appear correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is agreement on the application of the Gibbs free energy equation and the resulting calculation of \(\Delta G^{\circ}\). However, initial uncertainty about the necessary equations indicates that not all participants may fully agree on the starting approach.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the standard conditions and the definitions of the variables in the equations are not explicitly stated, which may affect the interpretation of the results.

Who May Find This Useful

Students or individuals studying electrochemistry, thermodynamics, or general chemistry may find this discussion relevant, particularly those looking to understand the relationship between cell potential and Gibbs free energy.

FrogPad
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I don't know where to start with this problem. I must be missing an equation or something...

Q: Pb(s)+2H^{+}(aq)\rightarrow Pb^{2+}(aq)+H_2(g) \,\,\,\,\,\,\,\,E^{\degree}_{cell}=+0.126V

What is the \Delta G^{\degree} in \frac{kJ}{mol} for this reaction.

a) -24
b) 24
c) -12
d) 12
e) 50

a shove in the right direction would be awesome
 
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FrogPad, you are missing the equation, which relates the potential of a cell to the change in Gibbs free energy. Try searching your text again.
 
Woops I think I missed reading like 3 pages out of the chapter :)

So, does this look ok?
\Delta G^\circ = -nFE^\circ

Pb(s)+2H^{+}(aq)\rightarrow Pb^{2+}(aq)+H_2(g)\,\,\,\,E^\circ = 0.126

Pb(s)\rightarrow Pb^{2+}(aq)=2e^{-} \,\,\,\,E^{\circ}=-0.126
2H^{+}(aq)+2e^{-} \righarrow H_2 (g) \,\,\,\,E^\circ = 0
\Delta G^\circ = -nFE^\circ = -2\left( \frac{96485 J}{Vmol}\right) (0.126V)=-243142\frac{J}{mol}=-24\frac{kJ}{mol}
 
Last edited:
Yes, it looks fine.
 
Thanks man. :)

I appreciate it!
 

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