Explore Chemical Thermodynamics with interactive simulations. Understand Gibbs free energy, reaction spontaneity, equilibrium constants, and thermodynamic properties of substances.
Chemical thermodynamics is the study of the interrelation of heat and work with chemical reactions or with physical changes of state within the confines of the laws of thermodynamics. It involves not only laboratory measurements of various thermodynamic properties, but also the application of mathematical methods to the study of chemical questions and the spontaneity of processes.
The primary objective of chemical thermodynamics is to establish criteria for the determination of the feasibility or spontaneity of a given transformation. It enables us to predict the direction of chemical reactions, calculate equilibrium constants, and understand the energy changes that accompany chemical processes.
Chemical thermodynamics combines the first and second laws of thermodynamics to provide a framework for understanding chemical reactions. The first law deals with energy conservation, while the second law introduces the concept of entropy to determine reaction spontaneity.
Explore how ΔG determines if a reaction is spontaneous
Adjust the parameters to see how they affect reaction spontaneity.
Understanding the relationship between ΔG° and equilibrium constant (K)
The standard Gibbs free energy change is directly related to the equilibrium constant of a reaction. This relationship allows us to predict equilibrium positions from thermodynamic data and vice versa.
d(ln K)/dT = ΔH°/(RT²)
This equation shows how equilibrium constants change with temperature based on the enthalpy change.
Hess's Law and energy conservation in chemical processes
Thermodynamic cycles illustrate that the change in a state function (like enthalpy or Gibbs free energy) depends only on the initial and final states, not on the path taken. This principle is the foundation of Hess's Law.
In a thermodynamic cycle, the sum of energy changes around the complete cycle equals zero. This allows us to calculate unknown energy changes by combining known values from different pathways.
Explore different categories and their thermodynamic characteristics
A + B → AB
AB → A + B
A + BC → AC + B
Chemical thermodynamics in everyday life and industry
Batteries operate on the principles of chemical thermodynamics, converting chemical energy to electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions.
Chemical manufacturing relies heavily on thermodynamic principles to optimize yield, selectivity, and energy efficiency.