Chem(Free Energy): G = 0 ?

if delta G = 0 does that mean the reaction is feasible or not feasible?
Because in my notes I have a chemical reaction is feasible if delta G is negative or 0 but in the textbook it says delta G has to be less than 0 to be feasible? So which way round is it?

Reply 1

Ben.S.

11

Maisy

if delta G = 0 does that mean the reaction is feasible or not feasible?
Because in my notes I have a chemical reaction is feasible if delta G is negative or 0 but in the textbook it says delta G has to be less than 0 to be feasible? So which way round is it?

A value of zero indicates that the reaction will be in equilibrium, with neither the products or reactants being favoured preferentially. It has no spontaneous tendancies one way or the other, unless external conditions are altered.

Ben

Reply 2

Barny

17

Maisy

if delta G = 0 does that mean the reaction is feasible or not feasible?
Because in my notes I have a chemical reaction is feasible if delta G is negative or 0 but in the textbook it says delta G has to be less than 0 to be feasible? So which way round is it?

Equal to or less than 0

Reply 3

Ben.S.

11

imasillynarb

Equal to or less than 0

I don't think it is defined as spontaneous if the Gibbs free energy change is zero. Under such circumstances, the process is said to be reversible (no increase in the entropy of the universe) and will occur infinitely slowly.

Ben

Reply 4

halc

At A-level, delta G "less than or equal to 0" implies the reaction is feasible. So if the exam calls for it, yes a reaction is feasible when delta G = 0.

We have also been taught that its feasibility says nothing of its rate and so it may be ocurring extremely slowly (almost neglible product formation).

Reply 5

chrisbphd

2

halc

At A-level, delta G "less than or equal to 0" implies the reaction is feasible. So if the exam calls for it, yes a reaction is feasible when delta G = 0.

We have also been taught that its feasibility says nothing of its rate and so it may be ocurring extremely slowly (almost neglible product formation).

At a non-simplified (and correct) level, delta G is LESS THAN 0 implies that a reaction is feasible.

Chem(Free Energy): G = 0 ?

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