Pre-lecture Reading Assignment: Thermodynamics

Quick Intro

The thermodynamic properties of a reaction can tell us a lot about the reaction. Do we need to put energy into the reaction or do we get energy out? Does the randomness increase or decrease? Is the reaction spontaneous? How large is the activation energy for a reaction? How can we include this information in a visual form? Most of this lesson will be a review of topics your learned in general chemistry, now applied to organic reactions.

 

Objectives

• Differentiate between enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy.
• Explain the relationship between these three thermodynamic properties.
• Calculate the enthalpy change for a reaction.
• Calculate the free energy change for a reaction.
• Identify the sign of entropy change for a reaction.
• Draw and interpret reaction coordinate diagrams.

 

Associated Reading

• Smith 3rd ed: Ch 6.5-6.8
• Smith 4th ed: Ch 6.5-6.8
• Smith 5th ed: Ch 6.5-6.8
• Smith 5th ed: Ch 6.5-6.8

 

Your Tasks

Before Class

• Complete assigned reading.
• Get the worksheet for the lecture.

After Class

• Work on more problems.
• Go to a discussion section and/or office hours.
• Review any areas that you struggled with on in-class activities.