Question about stability of Ozone

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    Ozone Stability
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the stability and formation of ozone (O3), focusing on thermodynamic principles such as enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. Participants explore the implications of these concepts on the spontaneity of the reaction and the existence of ozone in the atmosphere.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the positive enthalpy of formation and negative change in entropy for O3 suggest that Delta G is positive at all temperatures, implying non-spontaneity of ozone formation.
  • Another participant prompts consideration of the equilibrium constant's expression in relation to the reaction.
  • A participant confirms the relationship Delta G = -RTlnK and questions the meaning of spontaneity in the context of a positive Delta G, seeking clarification on why the reaction is termed non-spontaneous despite the existence of ozone.
  • A link to a Wikipedia article on spontaneous processes is provided, possibly to offer additional context or definitions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of thermodynamic parameters on the spontaneity and existence of ozone, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of equilibrium constants or the conditions under which ozone exists, leaving some assumptions and definitions unaddressed.

Kshitij Kabeer
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The enthalpy of formation of O3 is positive. Change in entropy for the formation of O3 is also negative( as the number of gaseous moles is decreasing). This means that Delta G is positive for all temperatures. So formation of ozone should be non spontaneous at all temperatures. Then how does it exist?
 
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Have you looked at the expression for the equilibrium constant?
 
You mean Delta G=-RTlnK? Yes. So you mean to say that the reaction still occurs but equilibrium favours formation of O2. OK I get your point, So now my question is why do we say the reaction is non spontaneous when Delta G is positive? What is the meaning of spontaneity?
 

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