Quick Notes

Energy and thermochemistry

Standard enthalpy change (ΔHø)The enthalpy change of a reaction carried out under standard conditions (100 KPa, 1 mol dm-3, substances in standard state) ΔH(reaction) = ∑ΔHfø(products) – ∑ΔHfø(reactants) ΔHreaction = ∑E(bonds broken) – ∑E(bonds formed)
Enthalpy change of formationIt is the enthalpy change when 1 mol of a compound is formed from its elements in their standard states under standard conditions
Standard enthalpy of combustion (ΔHcombø)The enthalpy change when 1 mol of substance burns completely in O2 under standard conditions ΔHø = ∑ΔHcombø(reactants) – ∑ΔHcombø(products)
ΔSøreaction = ∑Sø(products) – ∑Sø(reactants)
Entropy and spontaneityΔS(total) = ΔS(system) + ΔS(surroundings) ΔSsurroundings=-ΔHsystemT For a spontaneous process, ΔS(total) > 0
Gibbs free energy (ΔG)It is the energy associated with a chemical reaction that can be used to do work ΔG = ΔH – TΔS ΔGøreaction = ∑ΔGfø(products) – ∑ΔGfø(reactants) [standard conditions] ΔG is negative for a spontaneous process

Energy cycles

  • The first ionization energy is the minimum energy required to remove one mole of electrons from one mole of gaseous atoms
  • The first electron affinity is the enthalpy change when one mole of gaseous electrons is added to one mole of gaseous atoms
  • The lattice enthalpy is the enthalpy change that occurs when one mole of a solid ionic compound is separated into gaseous ions under standard conditions
  • The enthalpy change of atomization ΔHøatom is the enthalpy change that occurs when one mole of gaseous atoms is formed in its standard state

Redox processes

  • The more reactive metal is always reactive while the less reactive is positive. Electrons flow form the more reactive metal to the less reactive metals because metals of a higher reactivity have a greater reducing power
  • Electrons always flow in the external circuit from the anode to the cathode
  • The more negative the Eø (electrode potential) value for a half-cell, the more readily it is reduced (the more readily it gains electrons, meaning it is less reactive)
  • Electrons always flow towards the half-cell with the highest Eø value (the less reactive metal, which is more reduced)
Voltaic cellsElectrolytic cells
Spontaneous reactions produce electrical current Current conducted by electron flow in wire and movement of ions in salt bridge Anode = negative Cathode = positive More reactive metal loses electrons Less reactive metal gains electrons Chemical → electrical energy ExothermicElectrical current rives non-spontaneous reactions Current conducted by electron flow in wires and movement of ions in electrolyte Anode = positive Cathode = negative Electrical → chemical energy Endothermic

Electrolytic cells

Electrolysis of water

CathodeAnode
Possible reactions: Na+(aq) + e- → Na(s) 2H2O(l) + 2e- → H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) H2O is preferentially reduced and H2(g) will be dischargedPossible reactions: 4OH-(aq) → 2H2O(l) + O2(g) + 4e- 2H2O(l) → 4H+(aq) + O2(g) + 4e- OH-(aq) is preferentially oxidized and O2(g) is discharged
Overall balanced equation: 2H2O(l) → 2H2(g) + O2(g) Colorless gases: O2 at the anode and H2 at the cathode Ratio of gases evolved = 2:1 of H2:O2 pH at the anode decreases as H+ is released, while the pH at the cathode increases as OH- is released