Entropy, Reaction Spontaneity, Gibbs Free Energy, Reaction Kinetics

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the lecture on entropy, reaction spontaneity, Gibbs free energy, and reaction kinetics.

Entropy

A measure of the amount of molecular disorder in a system.

Free-energy change (ΔG)

A measure of the change in free energy as a chemical reaction or physical change occurs.

Activation Energy (Eact)

The amount of energy necessary for a reaction to occur.

Spontaneous process

A process or reaction that, once started, proceeds on its own without any external influence.

Nonspontaneous process

A process that takes place only in the presence of a continuous external influence.

Entropy change (ΔS)

A measure of the change in entropy of a system; can have positive or negative values based on disorder.

Collision Theory

A principle of chemistry used to predict the rates of chemical reactions, involving collisions between reactant particles.

Activation Energy barrier

The energy barrier that must be surpassed for a reaction to occur.

Transition state

A very short-lived configuration of atoms at a local energy maximum in a reaction energy diagram.

Gibbs Free Energy

The energy associated with a chemical reaction that can be used to do work.