It is a simple Delta G naught reaction problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the standard Gibbs free energy change (Delta G naught) and the equilibrium constant (K) for the reaction involving iron ions and iodide ions. Participants are exploring the relationship between electrochemical potential and thermodynamic quantities, with a focus on the implications for a homework problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculated Delta G as 46.32 kJ and expressed uncertainty about whether this value represents Delta G naught or just Delta G.
  • Another participant questioned the validity of the 46 kJ/mol value, suggesting it seems high for an iron 2 - iron 3 reaction and asked for clarification on the calculation involving Faraday's constant.
  • A later reply provided a detailed explanation of the calculation process, confirming that the units cancel appropriately and suggesting that the reaction is driven nearly to completion at 300 Kelvin.
  • One participant referenced values from the CRC Handbook to challenge the initial calculation, indicating a discrepancy with their own results.
  • Another participant sought clarification on whether the equilibrium constant (K) of 9.5E-9 indicates completion of the reaction to the right.
  • There was a reminder to state the reaction conditions and a caution against relying on intuition regarding the Gibbs free energy value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the calculated value of Delta G naught, with some questioning its validity and others providing alternative calculations. There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial calculation or the implications for the equilibrium constant.

Contextual Notes

Participants noted the importance of units in calculations and the potential for temperature dependence in equilibrium constants. There are unresolved aspects regarding the assumptions made in the calculations and the specific conditions of the reaction.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying thermodynamics, electrochemistry, or those preparing for exams involving Gibbs free energy and equilibrium concepts.

Deudoronomy
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Homework Statement


Calculate Delta G naught rxn and K for the reaction:

2 Fe 3+ +2I- <--> 2 Fe 2+ +I2

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I came up with -.24 V for E naught and plugged it into ( -2*96.5*-.24) and got Delta G as 46.32 KJ but I don't know if this is right and I'm not sure if it is delta G naught rather than just delta G.

Then from that answer ( if it is right ) I put Delta G into ( Keq = e^-delta G naught/ RT) and got 8*10^-9

Please let me know if I am doing this right. It is due Monday and I need to make sure I am doing it right for final exam on Tuesday. Thank You
 
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Try asking this in the chemistry section ... I don't have any tables (and you ignore units except for 46 kJ, which should be kJ/mole)
... it's been a long time, but 46 kJ/mol sounds suspiciuosly high for an iron 2 - iron 3 reaction. what the heck is 2*96.5 ?
 
lightgrav said:
Try asking this in the chemistry section ... I don't have any tables (and you ignore units except for 46 kJ, which should be kJ/mole)
... it's been a long time, but 46 kJ/mol sounds suspiciuosly high for an iron 2 - iron 3 reaction. what the heck is 2*96.5 ?
-2*96.5*-.46 is nFE Moles of electrons *Faraday's constant * E rxn and I am prett sure Volts and Moles cancel leaving
KJ.
The Answer however does sound high to me as well though.

Is there a way to move this to chemistry thread ( I am new to this),
or should I just go there and start new?

(Mentor Note: Moved)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ok, a Faraday is a mole of electrons, with charge 6E23e/mol*1.6E-19C/e = 96 kC/mol
... Energy = charge * voltage = 2e/molecule * 96 kC/mol *0.24V = 46 kJ/mole.
the R is 8.3 J/mole*Kelvin, or =0.0083 kJ/mol*K ... so the moles cancel in the exponent, as they should.
I get 9.5E-9 at 300 Kelvin, meaning that the "weak" ¼ volt drives the reaction essentially to completion
(equilibrium is Temperature-dependent, but would not approach 50/50 until 5,500 Kelvin).

I don't know how to move a thread, either. sorry ; best I can do.
 
From my CRC Handbook:
DeltaG0 in kcal/gmol:

Fe3+... -2.52

Fe2+... -20.3

I-..... -12.35

I2..... 4.63

Using these, I did not get your answer.
 
Last edited:
lightgrav said:
I get 9.5E-9 at 300 Kelvin, meaning that the "weak" ¼ volt drives the reaction essentially to completion
Do you mean completion to the right in the reaction as stated? With Keq = 9.5E-9?
 
State the reaction conditions.
lightgrav said:
46 kJ/mol sounds suspiciuosly high
Deudoronomy said:
sound high to me as well though
Do NOT use intuition.
Deudoronomy said:
Delta G naught rxn and K
Reread the problem statement as frequently as is necessary to avoid sidetracking yourselves.
 

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