How Does ΔS(total) = R*lnK Align with Entropy Being Zero at Equilibrium?

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The discussion centers on the relationship between total entropy change (ΔS(total)) and the equilibrium constant (K) as expressed in the equation ΔS(total) = R*lnK. At equilibrium, ΔS(total) equals zero, leading to confusion regarding the validity of the equation. Participants clarify that K equals 1 at equilibrium, which implies that ΔS° (standard entropy change) can be expressed as R*ln(K). The conversation highlights the need to differentiate between ΔS and ΔS° and suggests that the text may be presenting this relationship in an unconventional manner.

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  • Understanding of thermodynamic principles, particularly entropy.
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  • Study the derivation of the Gibbs free energy equation ΔG = ΔG° + RT*ln(Q).
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Given that at equilibrium total entropy change = 0
how does the following equation make sense
ΔS(total) = R*lnK
if ΔS(total) is 0?
thanks
 
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jsmith613 said:
how does the following equation make sense
ΔS(total) = R*lnK

Units don't match, so it doesn't make sense. Units of entropy are JK-1, units of ideal gas constant are JK-1mol-1.
 
no units of entropy are J K-1 mol-1
 
oh Standard entropy = R lnK
my bad

nonetheless how can a standard entropy change of zero have an equation R*lnK
 
Questions to ask yourself:

1.) What is K in your equation?

2.) What does K equal when the system is at equilibrium?

If you do this, the answer will fall right into your lap.
 
1) K is the equilibrium constant
2) when the system is at equilibrium K = 1

...so your saying that ONLY at the point of equilibrium does total entropy change = zero
...i am still confused
sorry :(
 
Mike H said:
Questions to ask yourself:

1.) What is K in your equation?

2.) What does K equal when the system is at equilibrium?

If you do this, the answer will fall right into your lap.

in fact K does NOT nessecaryily = 1 at equilibrium
...therefore how can the two be related
 
I have to say I've never seen this particular twist in presentation of thermo before, which is why my earlier "shot-from-the-hip" answer isn't right. And I should probably read more carefully...

It's as if your text/reference material is trying to rework what is normally seen via Gibbs free energy statements in terms of entropy for whatever inexplicable reason - if you'll remember, we have the well-known equality

ΔG = ΔG° + RT*ln(Q)

where ΔG = 0 at equilibrium, and as Q → K at equilibrium, we have

ΔG° = -RT*ln(K).

It seems as if your text is trying to do something similar in terms of ΔS and ΔS° for whatever reason, such that

ΔS = ΔS° - R*ln(K),

so when ΔS = 0,

ΔS° = R*ln(K).

I suppose it's valid, although I've never seen it presented this particular way, at least that I can recall.
 
  • #10
Mike H said:
I have to say I've never seen this particular twist in presentation of thermo before, which is why my earlier "shot-from-the-hip" answer isn't right. And I should probably read more carefully...

It's as if your text/reference material is trying to rework what is normally seen via Gibbs free energy statements in terms of entropy for whatever inexplicable reason - if you'll remember, we have the well-known equality

ΔG = ΔG° + RT*ln(Q)

where ΔG = 0 at equilibrium, and as Q → K at equilibrium, we have

ΔG° = -RT*ln(K).

It seems as if your text is trying to do something similar in terms of ΔS and ΔS° for whatever reason, such that

ΔS = ΔS° - R*ln(K),

so when ΔS = 0,

ΔS° = R*ln(K).

I suppose it's valid, although I've never seen it presented this particular way, at least that I can recall.

what is the difference between ΔS° and ΔS
and are they both calculated in the same way
 

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