Gibbs Free Energy Questions

[Daniel Fernandez 3H]

Hello,
What is free energy and how is it a state function? Also, how are entropy and enthalpy related to free energy?

[Ashley_Thomas_3C]

Gibbs free energy, G, which is defined as: ΔG= H-TΔS, is commonly known as the free energy and more formally as the Gibbs energy and is a thermodynamic function used to predict whether a reaction will be spontaneous in the forward or reverse direction (or whether it is at equilibrium). It is defined solely in terms of state functions, and so G itself is a state function.

Enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) both influence ΔG as seen in the equation to calculate the change in G as seen above. More specific information about the specific influences of each at varying phases can be found on pg. 37 of the course reader.