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ChemistryMediumClass 11

Gibbs Free Energy — ΔG = ΔH - TΔS

Thermodynamics & Thermochemistry

9

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

75

min

Master the spontaneity conditions based on ΔH, ΔS, and T, and deeply understand the relationship between ΔG° and K_eq for predicting reaction feasibility and equilibrium position.

🧮 Key Formulas

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS
ΔG° = -RTlnK_eq
ΔG = ΔG° + RTlnQ
At equilibrium, ΔG = 0 => T_eq = ΔH/ΔS

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG) is the ultimate criterion for spontaneity: ΔG < 0 for spontaneous, ΔG > 0 for non-spontaneous, ΔG = 0 for equilibrium.
  • 2The sign of ΔG depends on the signs of ΔH and ΔS, and importantly, on temperature (T) as TΔS term dominates at higher temperatures.
  • 3For standard conditions, ΔG° relates directly to the equilibrium constant (K_eq), providing a quantitative measure of reaction extent.
  • 4ΔG represents the maximum useful (non-PV) work that can be extracted from a system at constant temperature and pressure.
  • 5Remember to always use temperature (T) in Kelvin and ensure consistent units for ΔH and ΔS (e.g., kJ/mol and J/mol.K respectively, converting one before calculation).

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Confusing standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG°) with non-standard Gibbs free energy (ΔG); ΔG° is for standard conditions, while ΔG applies to any conditions.
  • Incorrectly using units, especially temperature in Celsius instead of Kelvin, or mixing kJ and J without proper conversion for ΔH and TΔS terms.
  • Assuming ΔH and ΔS are always constant over a wide temperature range; while often approximated in JEE, their temperature dependence can be a subtle point.

📝 Practice Questions

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Q32.Given are statements for certain thermodynamic variables, (A) Internal energy, volume (V) and mass (M) are extensive variables. (B) Pressure (P), temperature (T) and density ( ρ ) are intensive variables. (C) Volume (V), temperature (T) and density ( ρ ) are intensive variables. (D) Mass (M), temperature (T) and internal energy are extensive variables. Choose the correct answer from the options given below : (1) (B) and (C) Only (2) (C) and (D) Only (3) (D) and (A) Only (4) (A) and (B) Only

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Q53.A liquid when kept inside a thermally insulated closed vessel at 25∘C was mechanically stirred from outside. What will be the correct option for the following thermodynamic parameters ? (1) ΔU < 0, q = 0, w > 0 (2) ΔU = 0, q = 0, w = 0 (3) ΔU > 0, q = 0, w > 0 (4) ΔU = 0, q < 0, w > 0

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Q31.Water of mass m gram is slowly heated to increase the temperature from T1 to Tz The change in entropy of the water, given specific heat of water is 1Jkg−1 K−1 , is : (1) m ln ( T2T1 ) (2) zero (3) m ln ( T1T2 ) (4) m (T2 −T1)

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Q74.Niobium ( Nb ) and ruthenium (Ru) have " x " and " y " number of electrons in their respective 4 d orbitals. The value of x + y is ______ -.

2025·NumericalMedium

Q70.The correct stability order of the following species/molecules is: (1) q > r > p (2) r > q > p (3) q > p > r (4) p > q > r Q71. 1 The standard enthalpy and standard entropy of decomposition of N2O4 to NO2 are 55.0 kJ mol−1 and 175.0 J/K/mol respectively. The standard free energy change for this reaction at 25∘C in J mol−1 is ______ (Nearest integer)

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NCERT Chapters

  • Class 11 Chemistry Ch 6: Thermodynamics