Thermodynamics and Gibbs Free Energy

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to thermodynamics, Gibbs Free Energy, and spontaneous processes in chemistry.

Entropy

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Enthalpy

The total heat content of a system, used to describe heat changes during chemical reactions.

Gibbs Free Energy

A thermodynamic potential that measures the maximum reversible work obtainable from a system at constant temperature and pressure.

Spontaneous Process

A process that occurs without the need for external energy input, typically accompanied by an increase in entropy.

Equilibrium

A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced, with no net change occurring in the system.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

States that the total entropy of an isolated system can never decrease over time.

Temperature Dependence

The change in a system's properties or behavior as the temperature changes.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat from its surroundings.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat to its surroundings.

Phase Change

The transition of a substance from one state of matter to another, such as solid to liquid or liquid to gas.

Heat Death of the Universe

A theoretical scenario in which the universe reaches a state of maximum entropy and can no longer perform work.

Kinetics

The study of the rates at which chemical processes occur and the factors that affect these rates.

Thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Standard State

The most stable physical form of a substance under standard conditions of temperature and pressure.