SUMMARY
The reaction 2CO(g) + O2(g) = 2CO2(g) has a ΔH of -566 kJ, indicating it is exothermic. The entropy change (ΔS) is negative due to a decrease in the number of moles from reactants to products, which results in a decrease in entropy. Therefore, this reaction is spontaneous only at low temperatures, as dictated by the relationship between ΔH and ΔS. The established trends confirm that for ΔH < 0 and ΔS < 0, spontaneity occurs at low temperatures.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of thermodynamics concepts, specifically enthalpy and entropy.
- Familiarity with Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and its relation to spontaneity.
- Knowledge of chemical equilibrium and the effect of temperature on equilibrium constants.
- Ability to interpret balanced chemical equations and their implications on reaction spontaneity.
NEXT STEPS
- Study the relationship between enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) in thermodynamic processes.
- Learn about Gibbs free energy calculations and their role in predicting reaction spontaneity.
- Research the impact of temperature on equilibrium constants for exothermic and endothermic reactions.
- Explore examples of reactions with varying ΔH and ΔS to solidify understanding of spontaneity conditions.
USEFUL FOR
Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in thermodynamics and reaction spontaneity, particularly those studying exothermic reactions and their temperature dependencies.