/*! 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 34 Explain why a thermodynamically ... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 20: Problem 34

Explain why a thermodynamically stable species may be chemically reactive and a thermodynamically unstable species may be unreactive.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A thermodynamically stable species may still be chemically reactive due to stored potential energy that can trigger a reaction when the activation energy threshold is surpassed. Conversely, a thermodynamically unstable species might not react because, despite being in high energy state, the activation energy barrier may be too high to be surpassed with the available energy, or the species may be sterically hindered.

Step by step solution

01

Define Thermodynamic Stability

Firstly, clarify what is meant by a thermodynamically stable species. A substance is considered thermodynamically stable if its formation from its elements is associated with the release of energy (exothermic process), or if its entropy is high. The concept is linked to the law of minimum energy where systems strive to reach a state of minimal energy.
02

Define Chemical Reactivity

Now define chemical reactivity. Chemical reactivity is the tendency of a substance to undergo a chemical change. This usually involves the making or breaking of bond structures and is influenced by factors such as temperature, concentration and the presence of a catalyst.
03

Explain why a thermodynamically stable species can be chemically reactive

Thermodynamically stable species can still be chemically reactive due to the concept of activation energy. Even though a species is in a stable state, it can still have potential energy stored in its bonds. This energy can be released when the substance comes into contact with another substance, provided that the activation energy is surpassed, leading to a reaction.
04

Define Thermodynamic Instability

A thermodynamically unstable species, on the other hand, is a species that has high energy or low entropy. It is not at its lowest possible energy state, and so, in theory, it should react to go towards a lower energy state.
05

Explain why a thermodynamically unstable species may be unreactive

Despite being thermodynamically unstable, a species may be unreactive due to kinetic factors. The activation energy barrier may be much higher than the available energy, preventing the species from reacting. A substance can also be sterically hindered, preventing other reactants from accessing the reactive site.

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 91影视!

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

Why is zinc not considered a transition metal?

Describe the interaction between a donor atom and a metal atom in terms of a Lewis acid-base reaction.

Give the oxidation numbers of the metals in these species: (a) \(\mathrm{K}_{3}\left[\mathrm{Fe}(\mathrm{CN})_{6}\right]\) (b) \(\mathrm{K}_{3}\left[\mathrm{Cr}\left(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4}\right)_{3}\right]\) (c) \(\left[\mathrm{Ni}(\mathrm{CN})_{4}\right]^{2-}\)

What factors determine whether a given complex will be diamagnetic or paramagnetic?

Write the formulas for each of these ions and compounds: (a) bis(ethylenediamine) dichlorochro\(\operatorname{mium}(\mathrm{III})\) (b) pentacarbonyliron(0), (c) potassium tetracyanocuprate(II), (d) tetraammineaquochlorocobalt(III) chloride.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

The Earths Atmosphere

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation
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.