Why Is My Calculated Keq from Gibbs Free Energy So Far Off?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the equilibrium constant (Keq) from Gibbs free energy, specifically in the context of the self-ionization of water. Participants explore the methodology and assumptions involved in the calculation, as well as the discrepancies observed in the results.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Chris Maness, shares their calculations using SAGE to derive Keq from Gibbs free energy, noting a significant discrepancy in the expected value.
  • Another participant criticizes the initial post for lacking clarity, pointing out the absence of details regarding the specific reaction and the theoretical background necessary for understanding the calculation.
  • Chris later clarifies that the reaction in question is the self-ionization of water and acknowledges the need to use the heats of formation for hydroxide and hydronium ions instead of elemental products.
  • Chris expresses confusion regarding the standard Gibbs free energy of formation for H+, questioning why it is zero when other ions have non-zero values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the calculation method or the interpretation of Gibbs free energy values. There is acknowledgment of the need for clearer communication and additional information to resolve the discrepancies.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear assumptions regarding the reaction components and the mathematical steps taken in the calculation. The discussion highlights the importance of specifying the reaction and the theoretical framework when performing such calculations.

kq6up
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Just for kicks. I tried calculating Keq from Gibb's free energy. This should be a straight forward calculation, but the answer is no where near close.

Here is my calculations in SAGE:

sage: R=8.314; T=298; G=237000 ; Keq=var('Keq'); f=G+R*T*log(Keq)
sage: f.solve(Keq)
[Keq == e^(-59250000/619393)]
sage: float(e^(-59250000/619393))
2.8588096844432612e-42

Note the positive sign before R, that is because when I solve for Keq sage assumes f=0.
I assume using the -(G) should give the self dissociation constant for water. That is 10^(-14)

Thanks,
Chris Maness
 
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kq6up said:
Just for kicks. I tried calculating Keq from Gibb's free energy. This should be a straight forward calculation, but the answer is no where near close.

Here is my calculations in SAGE:

sage: R=8.314; T=298; G=237000 ; Keq=var('Keq'); f=G+R*T*log(Keq)
sage: f.solve(Keq)
[Keq == e^(-59250000/619393)]
sage: float(e^(-59250000/619393))
2.8588096844432612e-42

Note the positive sign before R, that is because when I solve for Keq sage assumes f=0.
I assume using the -(G) should give the self dissociation constant for water. That is 10^(-14)

Thanks,
Chris Maness
First of all, this is probably more appropriate for the Chemistry Board.

Your post is a model of how not to explain a problem. You have not explained what reaction you are you dealing with. You have not explained how you get your formula for f or what f is. You have not explained the theory behind what it is you are trying to do. You have not explained the mathematics either. If you want someone to help you, you have to do a much better job of presenting your question.

AM
 
Yes, I see that it is poorly formatted. I have students today, and I just through it up there expecting a quick answer. The reaction is the self ionization of water { H }_{ 2 }O(l)\Leftrightarrow { H }^{ + }(aq)+{ OH }^{ - }(aq)

However, in my haste I over looked something. I used the Gibbs free energy thinking that the products would be elemental. I need to use the heat of formation for Hydroxide and Hydronium and try it again.

And yes, I do agree it should be in the chemistry topic.

Thanks,
Chris Maness
 
I have it now. Looked up Gibbs. Not sure why H+ Standrd Gibbs of Formation is 0. All the other ions have a value. I imagine it has to do with { 2H }^{ + }+2{ e }^{ - }\rightarrow { H }_{ 2 } has a half cell potential of Zero.

Chris
 

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