Chemical Thermodynamics and the 1st Law of Thermodynamics

These flashcards cover essential concepts of chemical thermodynamics, including the laws of thermodynamics, types of reactions, and key terms used in the subject.

Thermodynamics

The study of heat and work changes in chemical and physical processes.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The energy of the universe is constant; energy can be transformed but not created or destroyed.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat, such as combustion of fuels.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat, like the melting of ice into water.

Entropy

A measure of the disorder of a system or energy unavailable to do work.

Spontaneous Process

A process that occurs without needing outside energy applied.

Non-Spontaneous Process

A process that requires energy to occur.

System

The part of the universe that is being studied, separated by a boundary.

Surroundings

Everything outside the system being studied.

Gibbs Free Energy

A measure of the energy available to do work, represented by G.