/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 20 Consider what happens when a sam... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Consider what happens when a sample of the explosive TNT (Section 8.8: "Chemistry Put to Work: Explosives and Alfred Nobel") is detonated. (a) Is the detonation a spontaneous process? (b) What is the sign of \(q\) for this process? (c) Can you determine whether \(w\) is positive, negative, or zero for the process? Explain. (d) Can you determine the sign of \(\Delta E\) for the process? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The detonation of TNT is a spontaneous process, as its Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) is negative due to the release of a large amount of energy and increase in entropy. The sign of q for this process is negative, indicating heat is liberated from the system to its surroundings. The work (w) done during the detonation is negative, as it involves a rapid increase in volume. The change in internal energy (ΔE) is also negative, as both heat transfer (q) and work (w) are negative, implying a decrease in internal energy during the detonation of TNT.

Step by step solution

01

(a) Determine if the detonation is a spontaneous process.

For a process to be spontaneous, it must be thermodynamically favored, meaning its Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) should be negative. Explosives like TNT release a large amount of energy when detonated, and their enthalpy change (ΔH) is negative. The process is also accompanied by an increase in entropy (ΔS), as the solid TNT is transformed into gaseous products. Hence, both factors contribute to a negative ΔG, making the detonation of TNT a spontaneous process.
02

(b) Determine the sign of q for this process.

The heat transfer (q) is related to the enthalpy change (ΔH) of the process. As discussed earlier, the detonation of TNT is an exothermic process, meaning it releases heat into its surroundings. Therefore, the sign of q for this process is negative, as heat is liberated from the system to its surroundings.
03

(c) Determine if w is positive, negative, or zero for the process.

The work (w) done during the process depends on the change in volume, pressure, and the nature of the process. In the case of a detonation, the explosive nature of the process leads to a rapid and significant increase in volume (from solid TNT to gaseous products). Since the work done during an expansion is negative (w = -PΔV), we can conclude that the work done during the detonation of TNT is negative.
04

(d) Determine the sign of ΔE for the process.

The change in internal energy (ΔE) is given by the first law of thermodynamics: ΔE = q + w, where q is the heat transfer, and w is the work done. We know from our analysis that q is negative (heat is transferred from the system) and w is also negative (negative work done due to expansion). So, when we add these two negative values, the overall ΔE will be negative. This means the detonation of TNT results in a decrease in internal energy.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

The volume of \(0.100 \mathrm{~mol}\) of helium gas at \(27^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is increased isothermally from \(2.00 \mathrm{~L}\) to \(5.00 \mathrm{~L}\). Assuming the gas to be ideal, calculate the entropy change for the process.

Using data from Appendix \(C\), calculate the change in Gibbs free energy for each of the following reactions. In each case indicate whether the reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions. (a) \(\mathrm{H}_{2}(g)+\mathrm{Cl}_{2}(g) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{HCl}(g)\) (b) \(\mathrm{MgCl}_{2}(s)+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(l) \longrightarrow \mathrm{MgO}(s)+2 \mathrm{HCl}(g)\) (c) \(2 \mathrm{NH}_{3}(g) \longrightarrow \mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{4}(g)+\mathrm{H}_{2}(g)\) (d) \(2 \mathrm{NOCl}(g) \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{NO}(g)+\mathrm{Cl}_{2}(g)\)

For each of the following pairs, indicate which substance possesses the larger standard entropy: (a) \(1 \mathrm{~mol}\) of \(\mathrm{P}_{4}(\mathrm{~g})\) at \(300{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}, 0.01 \mathrm{~atm}\), or \(1 \mathrm{~mol}\) of \(\mathrm{As}_{4}(\mathrm{~g})\) at \(300{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}, 0.01 \mathrm{~atm}\); (b) \(1 \mathrm{~mol}\) of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(g)\) at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}, 1 \mathrm{~atm}\), or \(1 \mathrm{~mol}\) of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}(\mathrm{l})\) at \(100^{\circ} \mathrm{C}, 1 \mathrm{~atm} ;\) (c) \(0.5 \mathrm{~mol}\) of \(\mathrm{N}_{2}(g)\) at \(298 \mathrm{~K}, 20\) - \(\mathrm{L}\) volume, or \(0.5 \mathrm{~mol} \mathrm{CH}_{4}(g)\) at \(298 \mathrm{~K}, 20-\mathrm{L}\) volume; (d) \(100 \mathrm{~g}\) \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}(s)\) at \(30^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) or \(100 \mathrm{~g} \mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}(a q)\) at \(30^{\circ} \mathrm{C} .\)

How would each of the following changes affect the number of microstates available to a system: (a) increase in temperature, (b) decrease in volume, (c) change of state from liquid to gas?

Predict the sign of \(\Delta S_{\text {sys }}\) for each of the following processes: (a) Gaseous Ar is liquefied at \(80 \mathrm{~K}\). (b) Gaseous \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\) dissociates to form gaseous \(\mathrm{NO}_{2}\). (c) Solid potassium reacts with gaseous \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) to form solid potassium superoxide, \(\mathrm{KO}_{2}\). (d) Lead bromide precipitates upon mixing \(\mathrm{Pb}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2}(a q)\) and \(\mathrm{KBr}(a q)\)

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.