Lecture

Second Law of Thermodynamics

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In course

CH-160(en): Advanced general chemistry (english)

This course aims to teach essential notions of the structure of matter, chemical equilibria and reactivity. Classes and exercises provide the means to analyze and solve, by reasoning and calculation, novel problems of geeneral chemistry. ...

Description

This lecture covers the Second Law of Thermodynamics, stating that a spontaneous transformation always leads to an increase in the entropy of the universe, which is the sum of the system and environment entropy. The increase in entropy can occur through heating, volume change, or phase transitions. The concept of Gibbs Free Energy is introduced to determine the spontaneity of a reaction. The equilibrium constant, equilibrium composition, and the response of equilibrium to changes are also discussed, along with Le Châtelier's Principle. Various clicker questions and examples are used to illustrate these concepts.

Instructors (2)

Thomas Rizzo

EDUCATION Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1983 B.S., Chemistry, cum laude, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1978 ACADEMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, EPFL, 2004-present Head, Department of Chemistry, EPFL, 1997-2004 Professor of Chemistry, EPFL, 1994-present Professor of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 1993-1994 Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of Rochester, 1986-1992 Research Associate, The James Franck Institute, University of Chicago, 1984-1986

Samuel Terrettaz

Teaching & PhD Courses Advanced general chemistry CH-160(f) This course aims at the acquisition of essential notions on the structure of matter, chemical equilibria and reactivity. Theoretical teaching and exercise provide the methodology to analyze and solve by reasoning and calculation novel problems of general chemistry. Advanced general chemistry CH-160(g) This course aims at the acquisition of essential notions on the structure of matter, chemical equilibria and reactivi

Official source

Ontological neighbourhood

Physics

Thermodynamics: Statistical mechanics

Related concepts (32)

Entropy

Entropy is a scientific concept, as well as a measurable physical property, that is most commonly associated with a state of disorder, randomness, or uncertainty. The term and the concept are used in diverse fields, from classical thermodynamics, where it was first recognized, to the microscopic description of nature in statistical physics, and to the principles of information theory.

Equilibrium constant

The equilibrium constant of a chemical reaction is the value of its reaction quotient at chemical equilibrium, a state approached by a dynamic chemical system after sufficient time has elapsed at which its composition has no measurable tendency towards further change. For a given set of reaction conditions, the equilibrium constant is independent of the initial analytical concentrations of the reactant and product species in the mixture.

Chemical equilibrium

In a chemical reaction, chemical equilibrium is the state in which both the reactants and products are present in concentrations which have no further tendency to change with time, so that there is no observable change in the properties of the system. This state results when the forward reaction proceeds at the same rate as the reverse reaction. The reaction rates of the forward and backward reactions are generally not zero, but they are equal. Thus, there are no net changes in the concentrations of the reactants and products.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is a branch of physics that deals with heat, work, and temperature, and their relation to energy, entropy, and the physical properties of matter and radiation. The behavior of these quantities is governed by the four laws of thermodynamics which convey a quantitative description using measurable macroscopic physical quantities, but may be explained in terms of microscopic constituents by statistical mechanics.

Dynamic equilibrium

In chemistry, a dynamic equilibrium exists once a reversible reaction occurs. Substances transition between the reactants and products at equal rates, meaning there is no net change. Reactants and products are formed at such a rate that the concentration of neither changes. It is a particular example of a system in a steady state. In physics, concerning thermodynamics, a closed system is in thermodynamic equilibrium when reactions occur at such rates that the composition of the mixture does not change with time.

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