To determine the spontaneity of this reaction we would have to determine the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of reaction using the equation below.
where: n and m are the coefficients of the balanced reaction.
Recall that if:
• ΔG < 0 or ΔG = (–); the reaction is spontaneous
• ΔG = 0; the reaction is at equilibrium
• ΔG > 0 or ΔG = (+); the reaction is non-spontaneous
If I had a mole of methane, and I react that with two moles of oxygen, I'll produce a mole of carbon dioxide and two moles of water. What we want to answer is whether this reaction is spontaneous.
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