Units of Delta G with different equations?






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Units of Delta G with different equations?

Postby Chem_Mod » Tue Aug 30, 2011 1:40 am

When solving for there are a few equations you can use like -RT ln K and -nFE. But the first one gives you units of J/mol and the second only J. How can this be? (R=J/K*mol T=K and ln K is unitless. n= mol F = C/mol E= J/C)

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Re: Units of Delta G with different equations?

Postby Chem_Mod » Tue Aug 30, 2011 1:41 am

Free energy can have units of J or J/mol depending on whether it is referring to the molar free energy of a substance or the free energy of a specific amount. The units of your answer will depend on the question being asked. -nFE gives energy per a substance, and -RTlnK gives energy per a mole of substance. In fact, R equals F times Avogdro's number.


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