Gibbs free energy from partial pressures

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on calculating the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for the reaction CH3OH(g) <-> CO(g) + 2H2(g) at 298 K using given partial pressures. The initial calculation of the equilibrium constant (K) was found to be incorrect, leading to an erroneous ΔG value of -13.1 kJ. Participants noted the importance of unit consistency and the correct application of the gas constant R, suggesting it should be converted to kJ. It was also highlighted that if K is less than 1, ΔG should be positive, indicating a misunderstanding in the sign of the result. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful attention to detail in calculations involving thermodynamic equations.
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Homework Statement


Consider the following reaction:
CH3OH(g) <-> CO(g)+2H2(g)

Calculate ΔG for this reaction at 298 K under the following conditions:
PCH3OH=0.895atm
PCO=0.115atm
PH2=0.200atm


Homework Equations


ΔG=-R*T*ln(K)
where R is the gas constant 8.314 J/molK, T is 298 in this case, and K is determined from the partial pressures.


The Attempt at a Solution


I calculated K by (0.2002)(0.115)/0.895 and found it to be 0.00514.
This produced deltaG=-8.314*298*ln(0.00514)=-13.1 kJ, but this is incorrect according to the website. I'm really not sure what is going wrong; this is my last attempt on any of the pressure problems on this homework, so I'd like to get this figured out. My guess right now is that it's related to the # of moles not being used (as R suggests), but I'd appreciate input before I use my last attempt, especially so it's drilled into my brain after this assignment.

Thanks for any help!
 
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The consistency in units is often the case

Since the problem doesn't give Delta G naught, we calculate Delta G reaction assuming the reaction is at equilibrium (ΔG = 0)
ΔG° reaction (kJ) = - R (J/°K.mol) x T(°K) x ln (Pp/Pr)​

In this case, convert R = 8.314x10-3 (kJ/°K.mol)
 
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You neglected the minus sign. (Clue: if K < 1, ΔG0 must be positive.) Is +13.1 kJ/mol correct, according to your website?
 
linhbear said:
The consistency in units is often the case

Since the problem doesn't give Delta G naught, we calculate Delta G reaction assuming the reaction is at equilibrium (ΔG = 0)
ΔG° reaction (kJ) = - R (J/°K.mol) x T(°K) x ln (Pp/Pr)​

In this case, convert R = 8.314x10-3 (kJ/°K.mol)
The use of °K instead of K was discouraged in 1967.
 
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