This question is about thermodynamics - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
This question is about thermodynamics.
Consider the reaction shown:
$$2 ext{Al}_2 ext{O}_3(s) + 3 ext{C}(s) \to 4 ext{Al}(s) + 3 ext{CO}(g)$$
Table 7 shows som... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about thermodynamics - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
7.1 Explain why the standard entropy value for carbon dioxide is greater than that for carbon.
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Answer
The standard entropy value for carbon dioxide (CO₂) is greater than that for carbon (C) because CO₂ exists as a gas, which has more disorder compared to solid carbon. The gaseous state allows for more possible microstates and configurations, thus resulting in a higher entropy value.
Step 2
7.2 State the temperature at which the standard entropy of aluminium is 0 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹.
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The standard entropy of aluminium is 0 J K⁻¹ mol⁻¹ at absolute zero, which is 0 K.
Step 3
7.3 Use the equation and the data in Table 7 to calculate the minimum temperature, in K, at which this reaction becomes feasible.
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To find the minimum temperature for feasibility, we apply the Gibbs free energy equation:
ΔGext°=ΔHext°−TΔSext°
For the reaction to be feasible, ΔGext° must be less than or equal to 0. From the thermodynamic data: