Thermodynamics and Redox Reactions

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in thermodynamics and redox reactions, including energy types, reaction types, thermodynamic laws, and Gibb’s Free Energy.

Potential Energy

Stored energy that an object possesses due to its position.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of movement, also referred to as thermal energy.

Endothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction that absorbs energy from the surroundings.

Exothermic Reaction

A chemical reaction that releases energy to the surroundings.

Chemical Equilibrium

A state in which the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, leading to constant concentrations of reactants and products.

Gibb’s Free Energy (ΔG)

A thermodynamic quantity representing the amount of usable energy available to do work.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Entropy (S)

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system, which tends to increase over time.

Spontaneous Reaction

A reaction that occurs without the need for continuous external influence or added energy.

Energetic Coupling

The pairing of an exergonic reaction with an endergonic reaction to drive a process.