PSYC 2110 Lecture : Lectures 1 And 2
Document Summary
The equilibrium constant is directly related to the thermodynamics of a chemical reaction. The heat released by the reaction (enthalpy) and the degree of disorder of reactants and products (entropy) independently contribute to the degree to which the reaction is favored or disfavored. The enthalpy change, h, for a reaction is the heat absorbed when the reaction takes place under constant applied pressure. If h > 0, heat is absorbed, the reaction is endothermic. If h < 0, heat is released, the reaction is exothermic. The entropy, s, of a substance is a measure of its "disorder" If s > 0, products are more disordered than reactants. If s < 0, products are less disordered than reactants. If g > 0, reaction is disfavored: if g < 0, reaction is favored, the relationship between g and the equilibrium constant for a reaction is: K = e^-delta g /rt where r = 8. 314 j/mol k.
