Chapter 18: Problem 64
Calculate the pressure of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (in atm) over a sample of \(\mathrm{NiO}\) at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) if \(\Delta G^{\circ}=212 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol}\) for the reaction $$ \mathrm{NiO}(s) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Ni}(s)+\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}(g) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The pressure of \( \mathrm{O}_2 \) is approximately \( 3.06 \times 10^{-74} \text{ atm} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Reaction
The given reaction is \( \mathrm{NiO}(s) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Ni}(s)+\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \). The task is to find the pressure of \( \mathrm{O}_2 \) using the provided \( \Delta G^{\circ} \). The reaction involves solids (\(\mathrm{NiO}\) and \(\mathrm{Ni}\)) and a gas (\(\mathrm{O}_2\)).
02
Use Gibbs Free Energy Equation
The relationship between Gibbs free energy change \( \Delta G^\circ \), reaction quotient \( Q \), and the equilibrium constant \( K \) at standard conditions is given by \( \Delta G^\circ = -RT \ln K \). Since the reaction is at equilibrium, \( Q = K \).
03
Solve for Equilibrium Constant K
Rearrange the equation \( \Delta G^\circ = -RT \ln K \) to find \( K \):\[K = e^{-\Delta G^\circ / (RT)}\]where \( R = 8.314 \text{ J/mol K} \) and temperature \( T = 298 \text{ K} \) (since \( 25^\circ \text{C} = 298 \text{ K} \)).
04
Substitute Values and Calculate K
Substitute \( \Delta G^\circ = 212,000 \text{ J/mol} \), \( R = 8.314 \text{ J/mol K} \), and \( T = 298 \text{ K} \) into the equation:\[K = e^{-\frac{212000}{8.314 \times 298}} = e^{-85.5}\]This results in a very small value for \( K \), which approximates to \( K = 1.75 \times 10^{-37} \).
05
Relate K to Pressure of O2
Since only \( \mathrm{O}_2 \) is in the gas phase, the equilibrium expression for the reaction is \( K = (P_{\mathrm{O}_2})^{1/2} \). Therefore, \( K = (P_{\mathrm{O}_2})^{1/2} \). Solve for \( P_{\mathrm{O}_2} \):\[P_{\mathrm{O}_2} = K^2 = (1.75 \times 10^{-37})^2\]which simplifies to approximately \( 3.06 \times 10^{-74} \text{ atm} \).
06
Conclusion
The extremely small value of \( P_{\mathrm{O}_2} \) indicates that the reaction greatly favors the formation of \( \mathrm{NiO}(s) \) at equilibrium, resulting in almost no loss of \( \mathrm{O}_2 \) into the atmosphere at the given conditions.
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!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Equilibrium Constant
The equilibrium constant, often symbolized as \( K \), is crucial in predicting the direction and extent of a chemical reaction. It tells us how far a reaction has proceeded towards equilibrium. Let's consider its calculation in the context of our reaction.
- The equilibrium constant expression is based on the balanced chemical equation.
- For the given reaction \( \mathrm{NiO}(s) \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Ni}(s)+\frac{1}{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}(g) \), only the gas, \( \mathrm{O}_2 \), contributes to \( K \).
Reaction Quotient
The reaction quotient \( Q \) is similar to the equilibrium constant \( K \), but it applies to a system that is not at equilibrium. It shows the ratio of product and reactant concentrations at any given point in time.
- If \( Q < K \), the reaction will shift toward the products to reach equilibrium.
- If \( Q > K \), the reverse is true: the reaction will move towards the reactants.
- For \( Q = K \), the system is at equilibrium.
Pressure Calculation
Calculating the pressure of a gas in equilibrium reactions involves using the ideal gas law or related expressions in physical chemistry.
- We used the relation \( K = (P_{\mathrm{O}_2})^{1/2} \) to find \( P_{\mathrm{O}_2} \).
- Given a very small \( K \) (\( 1.75 \times 10^{-37} \)), resolving \( P_{\mathrm{O}_2} \) involves squaring \( K \).
Thermodynamics
Thermodynamics provides a framework for understanding energy changes, such as Gibbs Free Energy \( \Delta G \), underlying chemical reactions.
- \( \Delta G^\circ \) quantifies the spontaneity of a reaction: negative values indicate spontaneous reactions under standard conditions.
- For our reaction, \( \Delta G^\circ = 212 \mathrm{~kJ} / \, \) indicates non-spontaneity since it is positive.
- This ties into our small \( K \) value, showing equilibrium lying towards reactants.