Question
Question: The correct relationship between free energy change in a reaction and the corresponding equilibrium ...
The correct relationship between free energy change in a reaction and the corresponding equilibrium constant, KCis:
A. ΔG=RTlnKC
B. −ΔG=RTlnKC
C. ΔG0=RTlnKC
D. −ΔG0=RTlnKC
Solution
We have to determine the relationship between Gibbs free energy and equilibrium constant. Gibbs free energy is related to the emf of the cell and equilibrium constant is also related to the emf of the cell. So, by comparing both equations we will determine the relationship between Gibbs free energy and equilibrium constant.
Complete step-by-step answer: The relation between equilibrium constant and e.m.f of the cell is given by the Nernst equation which is as follows:
Ecell = Ecell0−nFRTlnreducedoxidised
Where,
nis the number of electrons transferred.
F is the Faraday constant.
Ecellis the e.m.f of the cell.
Ecell0is the standard reduction potential of the cell.
R is the gas constant.
T is the temperature.
The ratio of the concentration of oxidized and reduced species at equilibrium is written as KC. So,
Ecell = Ecell0−nFRTlnKC…..(1)
We will multiply the equation (1)with -nF as follows:
−nFEcell = −nFEcell0−(−nFnFRTlnKC)
−nFEcell = −nFEcell0+RTlnKC….(2)
The relation between Gibbs free energy and the e.m.f of the cell is as follows:
ΔG = −nFEcell….(3)
Where,
ΔG is the Gibbs free energy
At equilibrium, ΔG is written as ΔG0 and Ecell is written as Ecell0. So,
ΔG0 = −nFEcell0….(4)
On substituting the value of ΔG andΔG0 from equation (3)and (4) in equation (2),
ΔG = ΔG0+RTlnKC
At equilibrium ΔGbecomes zero so,
ΔG0=−RTlnKC
Or
−ΔG0=RTlnKC
So, the correct relationship between free energy change in a reaction and the corresponding equilibrium constant, KCis −\DeltaG0=RTlnKC.
Therefore, option (D) −ΔG0=RTlnKC, is correct.
Note: The Gibbs free energy is the energy which is used in work. The Gibbs free energy is related to the enthalpy and entropy as follows:
ΔG = ΔH−TΔS
At equilibrium, the rate of forward direction and backward direction reaction becomes equal, so the concentration on both sides of the reaction becomes equal. So, entropy and enthalpy change tends to zero so the free energy change also tends to zero. The negative value of Gibbs free energy tells the reaction is spontaneous. The positive value of Gibbs free energy tells the reaction is nonspontaneous.