key term - Reaction Feasibility

Definition

Reaction feasibility refers to the likelihood that a chemical reaction will occur under specific conditions. It is closely tied to the concept of Gibbs free energy, which helps determine whether a reaction is spontaneous or requires input of energy. Understanding reaction feasibility allows chemists to predict which reactions will proceed and how they can be harnessed for practical applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A reaction is considered feasible when the change in Gibbs free energy (\\Delta G) is negative, indicating that it can occur spontaneously.
2. Temperature can significantly affect reaction feasibility; some reactions may be non-spontaneous at lower temperatures but become feasible as temperature increases.
3. Entropy (\\Delta S) plays a crucial role in determining feasibility, as an increase in disorder in the system can make a reaction more favorable.
4. Even if a reaction is feasible, it may still have a high activation energy, meaning it could proceed slowly without catalysts to speed up the process.
5. Reversible reactions can be influenced by changes in conditions such as concentration and pressure, affecting their feasibility under dynamic equilibrium.

Review Questions

• How does Gibbs free energy relate to the concept of reaction feasibility?
  • Gibbs free energy is essential for understanding reaction feasibility because it quantifies the energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction. When the Gibbs free energy change (\\Delta G) is negative, it indicates that the reaction can occur spontaneously under the given conditions. Therefore, by calculating \\Delta G, chemists can predict whether a specific reaction is feasible and will proceed towards products without additional input of energy.
• Discuss the impact of temperature on the feasibility of chemical reactions and provide an example.
  • Temperature has a significant effect on the feasibility of chemical reactions because it influences both enthalpy and entropy changes. For example, some endothermic reactions with positive \\Delta H values may not be feasible at low temperatures due to unfavorable \\Delta G values. However, as temperature increases, the term T\\Delta S can outweigh \\Delta H, making these reactions feasible. A common example is the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide, which becomes feasible at elevated temperatures.
• Evaluate how understanding reaction feasibility can influence industrial applications and processes.
  • Understanding reaction feasibility is crucial for optimizing industrial applications because it allows chemists and engineers to design processes that maximize product yield while minimizing energy consumption. By knowing which reactions are feasible and under what conditions, industries can select appropriate catalysts and adjust factors such as temperature and pressure to drive reactions forward. Additionally, this knowledge aids in developing sustainable practices by identifying less energy-intensive pathways for desired chemical transformations, ultimately leading to more efficient production methods.

Related terms

Gibbs Free Energy:

A thermodynamic quantity that combines enthalpy and entropy to predict the spontaneity of a reaction, given by the equation \\Delta G = \\Delta H - T \\Delta S.

Spontaneity: The tendency of a reaction to proceed without external influence, often determined by its Gibbs free energy change; if \\Delta G < 0, the reaction is spontaneous.

Activation Energy:

The minimum amount of energy required for reactants to undergo a chemical reaction, influencing how quickly a reaction can occur.