1. What is Gibbs Free Energy?

Definition: Gibbs Free Energy is a thermodynamic potential that measures the maximum reversible work that may be performed by a thermodynamic system at constant temperature and pressure.

Purpose: It helps predict whether a chemical reaction will occur spontaneously under given conditions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( G \) — Gibbs Free Energy (Joules)
• \( [R] \) — Universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K)
• \( T \) — Temperature (Kelvin)
• \( K_c \) — Equilibrium Constant (mol/m³)

Explanation: The formula relates the equilibrium constant of a reaction to the Gibbs free energy change at a given temperature.

3. Importance of Gibbs Free Energy

Details: Gibbs Free Energy is crucial in chemical thermodynamics as it determines reaction spontaneity and equilibrium positions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the temperature in Kelvin and the equilibrium constant (unitless or in mol/m³). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a negative Gibbs Free Energy value mean?
A: A negative value indicates the reaction is spontaneous in the forward direction at the given conditions.

Q2: What's the significance of the equilibrium constant?
A: The equilibrium constant (Kc) quantifies the ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at equilibrium.

Q3: Why is temperature important in this calculation?
A: Temperature affects both the equilibrium constant and the Gibbs free energy, as seen in the formula.

Q4: What are typical units for Gibbs Free Energy?
A: The SI unit is Joules (J), though kJ/mol is commonly used in chemistry.

Q5: How does this relate to the standard Gibbs free energy?
A: This calculates ΔG at non-standard conditions. For standard conditions (ΔG°), use K=1 at standard state.