Gibbs free energy and work

[siannehazel1B]

I was a little confused in lecture when prof Lavelle said that the maximum work done by a process represents the free energy for that system, can somebody explain this to me conceptually? Also, what does the temp and pressure have to do with this idea?

[Tatiana Hage 2E]

Gibbs free energy is defined as the maximum useful work (excluding work associated with volume changes of the system) that a system can do on the surroundings when the process occurs reversibly at constant temperature and pressure.

[nathansalce 3e]

Gibbs free energy is calculated as a maximum. in an ideal state, in constant pressure and temperature, we would not lose some of this energy to "useless" actions. It's similar in concept to a chemical reaction... the Maximum yield is the maximum under perfect conditions and no error.

[Cali Rauk1D]

When do you use Gibbs free energy? What type of problem would it be?