Where Am I Going Wrong in Calculating Free Energy Change?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the non-standard Free Energy change (ΔG) for the reaction N2(g) + 3H2(g) → 2NH3(g) using the equation ΔG = ΔG° + RTln(Q). The user initially miscalculated ΔG by not considering the stoichiometry of the reaction, leading to confusion about the signs and values of ΔG. It was clarified that ΔG° should be adjusted based on the formation of two moles of NH3, resulting in ΔG° = 2 * (-16.6 kJ/mol). After correcting this, the user successfully calculated ΔG. The discussion highlights the importance of stoichiometry in thermodynamic calculations.
mudkip26
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Homework Statement



In the previous question, you had to calculate the the standard Free Energy Change (Go) in order to solve for the equilibrium constant, K, for the reaction:


N2(g) + 3H2(g) → 2NH3(g)


This is the Free Energy measured under standard conditions, when the reaction is started with 1.0 M of each of the three gases present. Calculate the non-standard Free Energy change (G) at 298 K, given the following non-standard initial concentrations of the three gases. Answer in kJ.
Gfo = -16.6 kJ/mol for NH3 (g) at 298 K

initial concentration (M)
N2 1.0
H2 0.01
NH3 4.5

I use the equation for K to find the equilibrium constant of Q=20049504.95

I then use the equation ΔG=ΔG°+RTln(Q)

I keep getting an answer of 41643.09479/1000=41.643kJ...

Where am I going wrong?

----------------------

The spontaneity of a standard reaction, ΔGo, depends on both ΔHo and ΔSo. Given the following reaction and data table, decide if each of the statements shown below are True or False.
Assume that ΔHo and ΔSo are independent of Temperature.

3 O2 (g) → 2 O3 (g)

ΔHorxn 285 kJ
ΔSorxn -137 J/K

My answers will be in blue

This reaction is endothermic True
This reaction is exothermic False
This reaction is endergonic (ΔGo > 0) at 298 K True
This reaction is exergonic (ΔGo < 0) at 298 K False
This standard reaction will only be spontaneous at high temperatures (T > 2080 K) False
This standard reaction will only be spontaneous at low temperatures (T < 2080 K) False
This standard reaction will be spontaneous at all temperatures True
This standard reaction will not be spontaneous at any temperature True

I have tried this problem several times. Could anybody maybe help me and tell me which ones I might have wrong?





Homework Equations



I then use the equation ΔG=ΔG°+RTln(Q)

The Attempt at a Solution



my attempts are listed up above with the other parts
 
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Can anybody try to help me solve this?
 
For #1, you correctly calculate that RT ln(Q) = 41.6 kJ/mol. The problem tells you that ΔG° = -16.6 kJ/mol. Calculate ΔG.


mudkip26 said:
This standard reaction will be spontaneous at all temperatures True
This standard reaction will not be spontaneous at any temperature True

These answers don't seem to be consistent with each other.
 
So I plug in the 41.6 into what equation? I'm sorry I'm just a little confused. :/

And for the next one, should the first one be false?
 
mudkip26 said:
So I plug in the 41.6 into what equation? I'm sorry I'm just a little confused. :/

ΔG=ΔG°+RTln(Q)

You calculated RTln(Q) and ΔG° was given to you in the problem. All you need to do is add them to get ΔG.

And for the next one, should the first one be false?

Yes.
 
Ygggdrasil said:
ΔG=ΔG°+RTln(Q)

You calculated RTln(Q) and ΔG° was given to you in the problem. All you need to do is add them to get ΔG.



Yes.

And I can find Q from using the initial concentrations given?
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Yes.

Alright. Thank you for your help (:
 
Ygggdrasil said:
Yes.

I went and added the two together but it still says I am wrong. Could I be calculating my ΔG wrong?
 
  • #10
Oh, since the reaction forms 2 moles of ammonia, ΔG° = 2 *(-16.6 kJ/mol).
 
  • #11
Ygggdrasil said:
Oh, since the reaction forms 2 moles of ammonia, ΔG° = 2 *(-16.6 kJ/mol).
That worked perfect, thank you! (:
 
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