Thermodynamics: Equilibrium HELP

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on determining the temperature at which the equilibrium mixture of N2O4 and NO2 contains equal amounts of both gases. To find this temperature, the relationship between the standard free energy change (G), enthalpy (H), and entropy (S) is crucial, as it connects to the equilibrium constant (K(eq)). The participants explore the substitution method to express G in terms of H and S, but face challenges due to multiple unknowns. A key insight is that at equilibrium, the ratio of the concentrations or partial pressures of the gases can be simplified, leading to K(eq) = 2/3 when assuming equal amounts of each gas. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between pressure and equilibrium in solving the problem.
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Thermodynamics: Equilibrium HELP!

Consider the following equilibrium:

N2O4(g) <--> 2NO2(g)

We can assume the heat of formation and standard change in entropy do not vary with temperature.

At what temperature will an equilibrium mixture contain equal amounts of the two gases?

where G = standard free energy change

-G/(R*ln(K(eq))) = T

delta G = delta H - T*(delta S)

There's two unknowns K(eq) and T. How do i figure out the value of K(eq) to solve this problem? Like, is there some sort of relationship of the K(eq) when both the gases are at the same amount?

K(eq) = X^2/X = X <---- this will become a variable, so how can i determine the K(eq).
Please help. Thanks in advance...
 
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A particular temperature of a reaction will be associated with a specific free energy value. A free energy value will have a relationship with the ratio of product over relationship, that is the equilibrium K of the reaction.

The solution to this problem lies in a simple substitution method, you'll need to substitute the free energy value (G). Try and figure it out. I believe this is all you'll need.

Feel free to ask further questions.
 
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Just fixing a typo in GenChem's post :

"A particular temperature of a reaction will be associated with a specific free energy value. A free energy value will have a relationship with the ratio of products over reactants , that is the equilibrium K of the reaction."
 
GeneralChemTutor said:
A particular temperature of a reaction will be associated with a specific free energy value. A free energy value will have a relationship with the ratio of product over relationship, that is the equilibrium K of the reaction.

The solution to this problem lies in a simple substitution method, you'll need to substitute the free energy value (G). Try and figure it out. I believe this is all you'll need.

Feel free to ask further questions.

I don't see this substitution going anywhere. First of all if we try to remove one variable such as T, we can solve for:

T = (G - H)/S. However We'll end up having 2 unknowns still with G and
K(eq).

If I substitute G = H - T*S into -G/(RlnK(eq)), I'll still have 2 unknowns T and K(eq).

How can i solve this? Please help, thanks...
 
N_2O_4(g) \equiv 2NO_2(g)
If you start with 1 mole of N_2O_4(g), then at equilibrium, you have some 1-x moles, where x is the dissociation constant. As a result, you will have produced 2x moles of NO_2(g).

K(eq) = \frac{[NO_2]^2}{[N_2O_4]} = \frac{4x^2}{1-x}

But, you are given that, at equilibrium,

[NO_2] = [N_2O_4] [/itex]<br /> =&amp;gt; 2x = 1-x =&amp;gt; x = 1/3 moles<br /> <br /> Plugging this into the above expression gives K(eq) = 2/3.
 
Gokul43201 said:
N_2O_4(g) \equiv 2NO_2(g)
If you start with 1 mole of N_2O_4(g), then at equilibrium, you have some 1-x moles, where x is the dissociation constant. As a result, you will have produced 2x moles of NO_2(g).

K(eq) = \frac{[NO_2]^2}{[N_2O_4]} = \frac{4x^2}{1-x}

But, you are given that, at equilibrium,

[NO_2] = [N_2O_4] [/itex]<br /> =&amp;gt; 2x = 1-x =&amp;gt; x = 1/3 moles<br /> <br /> Plugging this into the above expression gives K(eq) = 2/3.
<br /> <br /> <br /> I really think there&#039;s something definitely wrong with this problem. I took a look at the answer book at school and they assumed the gases were at a partial pressure of 1 atm each. That&#039;s how they figured out the problem. Is there some reason they might use this?
 
Could you write down the question exactly as it appears in your text/homework ?
 
Gokul43201 said:
Could you write down the question exactly as it appears in your text/homework ?
Consider the following equilibrium:

N2O4(g) <--> 2NO2(g)

At what temperature will an equilibrium mixture contain equal amounts of the two gases? Assume the heat of formation and standard change in entropy do not vary with temperature.
 
Of course, that makes sense. Rememeber when you devised the formula K(eq) = X^2/X in your first post? Instead of concetrations it is in terms of pressure, first find the relationship, the corresponding way you should write it in terms of pressure and that should solve your problem.

1 atm should be divided equally since the molar ratios are equivalent (same amount of each gases refers to #, and this relates directly to moles). Each gas should take up .5 atm (deduced according to PV=nRT), remember that equilibrium also relates to Keq. You need to find this relationship.
 
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