What is the difference between gibbs free energy and activation energy

In summary, Gibbs free energy is a term used to determine if a reaction is spontaneous or not. It is represented by the equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS and can be denoted in an enthalpy diagram by varying temperature and entropy. This is different from activation energy, which is denoted by the difference in energy between the transition state and reactants' enthalpy. While both involve energy, they have no other similarities.
  • #1
abi.ayan
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what is actually meant by gibbs free energy and what is the difference between gibbs free energy and activation energy?In an enthalpy diagram how can it be denoted(just like for activation energy is denoted by the energy difference between transition state and reactants' enthalpy)?I just search through but couldn't get a clear idea about gibbs energy.can anyone explain with an simple example?
 
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  • #2
They have no similarities to begin with. As you have said, activation energy denotes the energy difference between transition state and reactants' enthalpy. But, Gibbs free energy is a term/ quantity whose dimensions happen to be that of energy.


ΔG = -TΔSuniverse = ΔH - TΔSsystem

And, as ΔSuniverse>0 for a spontaneous process, apparently ΔG<0.

So, it is just a quantity with the help of which we can say if a reaction proceeds forward or not.

The only way with which ΔG can be represented in an enthalpy diagram is through the relation

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS; where you can vary temperature and entropy.

Hope this explains it.
Best of luck!
Adithyan.
 
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1. What is Gibbs Free Energy?

Gibbs Free Energy is a thermodynamic property that measures the maximum amount of energy that can be used to do work in a system at a constant temperature and pressure.

2. What is Activation Energy?

Activation Energy is the minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur. It is the energy needed to break the bonds of the reactants and start the reaction.

3. How are Gibbs Free Energy and Activation Energy related?

Gibbs Free Energy and Activation Energy are both measures of energy in a chemical reaction. However, they serve different purposes. Gibbs Free Energy predicts whether a reaction will occur spontaneously, while Activation Energy determines the rate at which a reaction will occur.

4. What is the main difference between Gibbs Free Energy and Activation Energy?

The main difference between Gibbs Free Energy and Activation Energy is their role in a chemical reaction. Gibbs Free Energy determines the spontaneity of a reaction, while Activation Energy determines the rate of the reaction.

5. Can Gibbs Free Energy and Activation Energy be used interchangeably?

No, Gibbs Free Energy and Activation Energy cannot be used interchangeably. They are distinct properties with different meanings and uses in chemistry. Gibbs Free Energy is used to predict the spontaneity of a reaction, while Activation Energy is used to determine the rate of the reaction.

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