Entropy & Spontaneity
12th grade
Guiding Question:
What determines the direction of chemical change?
By the end of this presentation, you should know that:
2 types of processes
Processes
Spontaneous
Non - spontaneous
Requires external energy to occur. (e.g boiling)
ΔG = +ve
=>0
Occurs naturally without external energy. (e.g melting)
ΔG = -ve
= <0
Entropy
Entropy and Disorder
The entropy of a system is a measure of the dispersal or distribution of matter and energy in the system. A system that has its particles dispersed throughout the system has a higher entropy than if the particles were concentrated in one area. Likewise, a system that has its energy distributed amongst all the particles has a higher entropy than if the same amount of energy was concentrated in only a few of the particles.
When a drop of ink is added to a beaker of water it will diffuse through the solution. The ink molecules spread out and become more disordered. Because the molecules are spread throughout the system after diffusion, the entropy of the system has increased. The amount of disorder in the system is an indicator of the entropy, and because of this, entropy and disorder are often associated together. More disorder is a sign of higher entropy.
Calculating Standard
Entropy Change (ΔSꝋ)
-The standard molar enthalpy values, Sꝋ, is the entropy of one mole of a substance at 298K and 100kPa.
-ΔSꝋ(reaction) = ΣSꝋ(products) - ΣSꝋ(reactants)
-When calculating ΔSꝋ, the equation must be balanced.
-Unit of ΔSꝋ: JK-1Mol-1
- ΔSꝋ depends on the level of disorder in a system. (increase in disorder = + ΔSꝋ)
- Increase disorder means the products have more ways of arranging the particles and distributing the energy in the system.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
A full thermodynamic analysis tells us that the entropy change of the surroundings of a closed system at constant pressure and temperature is given by:
Gibbs Energy Change
Gibbs Energy change and temperature
If ΔH is greater than −TΔS and the reaction is spontaneous (ΔG < 0). However, if the temperature has been raised and the –TΔS term now dominates, making the reaction nonspontaneous (ΔG > 0)
Gibbs Energy change and equilibrium