Predicting Spontaneity

$\Delta G^{\circ}= \Delta H^{\circ} - T \Delta S^{\circ}$

$\Delta G^{\circ}= -RT\ln K$

$\Delta G^{\circ}= \sum \Delta G_{f}^{\circ}(products) - \sum \Delta G_{f}^{\circ}(reactants)$

Posts: 31
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:20 am

Predicting Spontaneity

For the free energy equation $\Delta G=\Delta H-T\Delta S$, do we only know how to predict spontaneity simply based on high/low temperatures in part with positive/negative values of $\Delta G,\Delta S, and \Delta T$? Are there any conceptual explanations that we need to know with regards to this?

Srikar_Ramshetty 1K
Posts: 64
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:27 am

Re: Predicting Spontaneity

Well you will want to remember the general rule of thumb of the reaction types, although, not always true. Exothermic reactions tend to be spontaneous since the change in ethalpy is negative and entropy increases. Vice versa for an endothermic reactions. This rule of thumb is helpful in checking your work since there are only a few exceptions. Hope that helps.

Angela Cong 3C
Posts: 69
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:25 am

Re: Predicting Spontaneity

There are charts that you can search up in which it gives you if T is a high number when delta H is positive and so is delta s then it will be spontaneous and so on. It can somewhat help you conceptually. However, essentially if you just plug in big or small values for the equation you can get a gage of whether or not delta H and delta s being positive or negative will have what kind of effect on the system.

ran2000
Posts: 66
Joined: Fri Sep 28, 2018 12:15 am

Re: Predicting Spontaneity

Yes. We will have to know how to predict spontaneity based on the values.

Sign of the enthalpy change Sign of the entropy change Spontaneity
positive (+) positive (+) The reaction is spontaneous at high temperature
positive (+) negative (-) The reaction is never spontaneous
negative (-) negative (-) The reaction is spontaneous at low temperature
negative (-) positive (+) The reaction is always spontaneous

This table summarizes most of the interactions.