Gibbs Free Energy
Definition
Gibbs Free Energy (G) is a thermodynamic potential that measures the maximum reversible work that a system can perform at constant temperature and pressure.
Analogy
Think of Gibbs Free Energy as the amount of fuel in your car. Just like how you need enough fuel to drive from point A to B, a reaction needs enough Gibbs free energy to proceed. If there's not enough "fuel" or free energy, the reaction won't go forward.
Related terms
Entropy: This is a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. The higher the entropy, the more disordered a system is.
Enthalpy: This refers to the total heat content of a system. It's like measuring how much heat you have stored in your house during winter.
Thermodynamics: This is the branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work. It's like understanding how your car engine works using gasoline (energy source), combustion (work), and coolant (temperature control).
"Gibbs Free Energy" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Practice Questions (2)
- Which of the following statements is true about Gibbs free energy (ΔG)?
- Which of the following is true about the relationship between the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) and the equilibrium constant (K)?
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.