ATKINS’
PHYSICAL
CHEMISTRY
This page intentionally left blank
ATKINS’
PHYSICAL
CHEMISTRY
Eighth Edition
Peter Atkins
Professor of Chemistry,
University of Oxford,
and Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford
Julio de Paula
Professor and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Lewis and Clark College,
Portland, Oregon
W. H. Freeman and Company
New York
Library of Congress Control Number: 2005936591
Physical Chemistry, Eighth Edition
© 2006 by Peter Atkins and Julio de Paula
All rights reserved
ISBN: 0-7167-8759-8
EAN: 9780716787594
Published in Great Britain by Oxford University Press
This edition has been authorized by Oxford University Press for sale in the
United States and Canada only and not for export therefrom.
First printing
W. H. Freeman and Company
41 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.whfreeman.com
Preface
We have taken the opportunity to refresh both the content and presentation of this
text while—as for all its editions—keeping it flexible to use, accessible to students,
broad in scope, and authoritative. The bulk of textbooks is a perennial concern: we
have sought to tighten the presentation in this edition. However, it should always be
borne in mind that much of the bulk arises from the numerous pedagogical features
that we include (such as Worked examples and the Data section), not necessarily from
density of information.
The most striking change in presentation is the use of colour. We have made every
effort to use colour systematically and pedagogically, not gratuitously, seeing as a
medium for making the text more attractive but using it to convey concepts and data
more clearly. The text is still divided into three parts, but material has been moved
between chapters and the chapters have been reorganized. We have responded to the
shift in emphasis away from classical thermodynamics by combining several chapters
in Part 1 (Equilibrium), bearing in mind that some of the material will already have
been covered in earlier courses. We no longer make a distinction between ‘concepts’
and ‘machinery’, and as a result have provided a more compact presentation of thermodynamics with less artificial divisions between the approaches. Similarly, equilibrium electrochemistry now finds a home within the chapter on chemical equilibrium,
where space has been made by reducing the discussion of acids and bases.
In Part 2 (Structure) the principal changes are within the chapters, where we have
sought to bring into the discussion contemporary techniques of spectroscopy and
approaches to computational chemistry. In recognition of the major role that physical chemistry plays in materials science, we have a short sequence of chapters on
materials, which deal respectively with hard and soft matter. Moreover, we have
introduced concepts of nanoscience throughout much of Part 2.
Part 3 has lost its chapter on dynamic electrochemistry, but not the material. We
regard this material as highly important in a contemporary context, but as a final
chapter it rarely received the attention it deserves. To make it more readily accessible
within the context of courses and to acknowledge that the material it covers is at home
intellectually with other material in the book, the description of electron transfer
reactions is now a part of the sequence on chemical kinetics and the description of
processes at electrodes is now a part of the general discussion of solid surfaces.
We have discarded the Boxes of earlier editions. They have been replaced by more
fully integrated and extensive Impact sections, which show how physical chemistry is
applied to biology, materials, and the environment. By liberating these topics from
their boxes, we believe they are more likely to be used and read; there are end-ofchapter problems on most of the material in these sections.
In the preface to the seventh edition we wrote that there was vigorous discussion in
the physical chemistry community about the choice of a ‘quantum first’ or a ‘thermodynamics first’ approach. That discussion continues. In response we have paid particular attention to making the organization flexible. The strategic aim of this revision
is to make it possible to work through the text in a variety of orders and at the end of
this Preface we once again include two suggested road maps.
The concern expressed in the seventh edition about the level of mathematical
ability has not evaporated, of course, and we have developed further our strategies
for showing the absolute centrality of mathematics to physical chemistry and to make
it accessible. Thus, we give more help with the development of equations, motivate
vi
PREFACE
them, justify them, and comment on the steps. We have kept in mind the struggling
student, and have tried to provide help at every turn.
We are, of course, alert to the developments in electronic resources and have made
a special effort in this edition to encourage the use of the resources on our Web site (at
www.whfreeman.com/pchem8) where you can also access the eBook. In particular,
we think it important to encourage students to use the Living graphs and their considerable extension as Explorations in Physical Chemistry. To do so, wherever we
call out a Living graph (by an icon attached to a graph in the text), we include an
Exploration in the figure legend, suggesting how to explore the consequences of
changing parameters.
Overall, we have taken this opportunity to refresh the text thoroughly, to integrate
applications, to encourage the use of electronic resources, and to make the text even
more flexible and up to date.
Oxford
Portland
P.W.A.
J.de P.
PREFACE
vii
About the book
There are numerous features in this edition that are designed to make learning physical chemistry more effective and more enjoyable. One of the problems that make the
subject daunting is the sheer amount of information: we have introduced several
devices for organizing the material: see Organizing the information. We appreciate
that mathematics is often troublesome, and therefore have taken care to give help with
this enormously important aspect of physical chemistry: see Mathematics and Physics
support. Problem solving—especially, ‘where do I start?’—is often a challenge, and
we have done our best to help overcome this first hurdle: see Problem solving. Finally,
the web is an extraordinary resource, but it is necessary to know where to start, or
where to go for a particular piece of information; we have tried to indicate the right
direction: see About the Web site. The following paragraphs explain the features in
more detail.
Organizing the information
Checklist of key ideas
Checklist of key ideas
1. A gas is a form of matter that fills any container it occupies.
2. An equation of state interrelates pressure, volume,
temperature, and amount of substance: p = f(T,V,n).
3. The pressure is the force divided by the area to which the force
is applied. The standard pressure is p7 = 1 bar (105 Pa).
4. Mechanical equilibrium is the condition of equality of
pressure on either side of a movable wall.
5. Temperature is the property that indicates the direction of the
flow of energy through a thermally conducting, rigid wall.
6. A diathermic boundary is a boundary that permits the passage
of energy as heat. An adiabatic boundary is a boundary that
prevents the passage of energy as heat.
7. Thermal equilibrium is a condition in which no change of
state occurs when two objects A and B are in contact through
a diathermic boundary.
8. The Zeroth Law of thermodynamics states that, if A is in
thermal equilibrium with B, and B is in thermal equilibrium
with C, then C is also in thermal equilibrium with A.
9. The Celsius and thermodynamic temperature scales are
related by T/K = θ/°C + 273.15.
10. A perfect gas obeys the perfect gas equation, pV = nRT, exactly
12. The partial pressure of any gas i
xJ = nJ/n is its mole fraction in a
pressure.
13. In real gases, molecular interact
state; the true equation of state i
coefficients B, C, . . . : pVm = RT
Here we collect together the major concepts introduced in the
chapter. We suggest checking off the box that precedes each
entry when you feel confident about the topic.
14. The vapour pressure is the press
with its condensed phase.
15. The critical point is the point at
end of the horizontal part of the
a single point. The critical const
pressure, molar volume, and tem
critical point.
16. A supercritical fluid is a dense fl
temperature and pressure.
17. The van der Waals equation of s
the true equation of state in whi
by a parameter a and repulsions
parameter b: p = nRT/(V − nb) −
18. A reduced variable is the actual
corresponding critical constant
IMPACT ON NANOSCIENCE
I20.2 Nanowires
We have already remarked (Impacts I9.1, I9.2, and I19.3) that research on nanometre-sized materials is motivated by the possibility that they will form the basis for
cheaper and smaller electronic devices. The synthesis of nanowires, nanometre-sized
atomic assemblies that conduct electricity, is a major step in the fabrication of
nanodevices. An important type of nanowire is based on carbon nanotubes, which,
like graphite, can conduct electrons through delocalized π molecular orbitals that
form from unhybridized 2p orbitals on carbon. Recent studies have shown a correlation between structure and conductivity in single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs)
that does not occur in graphite. The SWNT in Fig. 20.45 is a semiconductor. If the
hexagons are rotated by 60° about their sixfold axis, the resulting SWNT is a metallic
conductor.
Carbon nanotubes are promising building blocks not only because they have useful
electrical properties but also because they have unusual mechanical properties. For
example, an SWNT has a Young’s modulus that is approximately five times larger and
a tensile strength that is approximately 375 times larger than that of steel.
Silicon nanowires can be made by focusing a pulsed laser beam on to a solid target
composed of silicon and iron. The laser ejects Fe and Si atoms from the surface of the
Impact sections
Where appropriate, we have separated the principles from
their applications: the principles are constant and straightforward; the applications come and go as the subject progresses.
The Impact sections show how the principles developed in
the chapter are currently being applied in a variety of modern
contexts.
ABOUT THE BOOK
q
Notes on good practice
A note on good practice We write T = 0, not T = 0 K for the zero temperature
on the thermodynamic temperature scale. This scale is absolute, and the lowest
temperature is 0 regardless of the size of the divisions on the scale (just as we write
p = 0 for zero pressure, regardless of the size of the units we adopt, such as bar or
pascal). However, we write 0°C because the Celsius scale is not absolute.
The material on regular solutions presented in Section 5.4 gives further insight into
the origin of deviations from Raoult’s law and its relation to activity coefficients. The
starting point is the expression for the Gibbs energy of mixing for a regular solution
(eqn 5.31). We show in the following Justification that eqn 5.31 implies that the activity coefficients are given by expressions of the form
ln γB = βxA2
Science is a precise activity and its language should be used
accurately. We have used this feature to help encourage the use
of the language and procedures of science in conformity to
international practice and to help avoid common mistakes.
Justifications
5.8 The activities of regular solutions
ln γA = βxB2
ix
(5.57)
These relations are called the Margules equations.
Justification 5.4 The Margules equations
The Gibbs energy of mixing to form a nonideal solution is
On first reading it might be sufficient to appreciate the ‘bottom
line’ rather than work through detailed development of a
mathematical expression. However, mathematical development is an intrinsic part of physical chemistry, and it is
important to see how a particular expression is obtained. The
Justifications let you adjust the level of detail that you require to
your current needs, and make it easier to review material.
∆mixG = nRT{xA ln aA + xB ln aB}
This relation follows from the derivation of eqn 5.31 with activities in place of mole
fractions. If each activity is replaced by γ x, this expression becomes
∆mixG = nRT{xA ln xA + xB ln xB + xA ln γA + xB ln γB}
Now we introduce the two expressions in eqn 5.57, and use xA + xB = 1, which gives
∆mixG = nRT{xA ln xA + xB ln xB + βxAx B2 + βxBxA2}
= nRT{xA ln xA + xB ln xB + βxAxB(xA + xB)}
= nRT{xA ln xA + xB ln xB + βxAxB}
as required by eqn 5.31. Note, moreover, that the activity coefficients behave correctly for dilute solutions: γA → 1 as xB → 0 and γB → 1 as xA → 0.
Molecular interpretation 5.2 The lowering of vapour pressure of a solvent in a mixture
The molecular origin of the lowering of the chemical potential is not the energy of
interaction of the solute and solvent particles, because the lowering occurs even in
an ideal solution (for which the enthalpy of mixing is zero). If it is not an enthalpy
effect, it must be an entropy effect.
The pure liquid solvent has an entropy that reflects the number of microstates
available to its molecules. Its vapour pressure reflects the tendency of the solution towards greater entropy, which can be achieved if the liquid vaporizes to
form a gas. When a solute is present, there is an additional contribution to the
entropy of the liquid, even in an ideal solution. Because the entropy of the liquid is
already higher than that of the pure liquid, there is a weaker tendency to form the
gas (Fig. 5.22). The effect of the solute appears as a lowered vapour pressure, and
hence a higher boiling point.
Similarly, the enhanced molecular randomness of the solution opposes the
tendency to freeze. Consequently, a lower temperature must be reached before
equilibrium between solid and solution is achieved. Hence, the freezing point is
lowered.
Molecular interpretation sections
Historically, much of the material in the first part of the text
was developed before the emergence of detailed models of
atoms, molecules, and molecular assemblies. The Molecular
interpretation sections enhance and enrich coverage of that
material by explaining how it can be understood in terms of
the behaviour of atoms and molecules.
x
ABOUT THE BOOK
Further information
Further information
Further information 5.1 The Debye–Hückel theory of ionic
solutions
Imagine a solution in which all the ions have their actual positions,
but in which their Coulombic interactions have been turned off. The
difference in molar Gibbs energy between the ideal and real solutions
is equal to we, the electrical work of charging the system in this
arrangement. For a salt M p Xq, we write
where rD is called the Debye length. Wh
potential is virtually the same as the uns
small, the shielded potential is much sm
potential, even for short distances (Fig.
1.0
ideal
Gm
5
4
4
6
4
4
7
5
4
6
4
7
Gm
we = (pµ+ + qµ −) − (pµ +ideal + qµ −ideal)
0.8
Potential, !/(Z /rD)
= p(µ+ − µ +ideal) + q(µ− − µ −ideal)
From eqn 5.64 we write
µ+ − µ +ideal = µ− − µ −ideal = RT ln γ±
So it follows that
ln γ± =
we
s=p+q
sRT
(5.73)
Zi
Zi =
r
zte
φi =
966
r
0.4
0.3
0
0
4πε
−r/rD
e
(5.75)
1 3
0.5
Distan
(5.74)
The ionic atmosphere causes the potential to decay with distance
more sharply than this expression implies. Such shielding is a familiar
problem in electrostatics, and its effect is taken into account by
replacing the Coulomb potential by the shielded Coulomb potential,
an expression of the form
Zi
0.6
0.2
This equation tells us that we must first find the final distribution of
the ions and then the work of charging them in that distribution.
The Coulomb potential at a distance r from an isolated ion of
charge zie in a medium of permittivity ε is
φi =
In some cases, we have judged that a derivation is too long,
too detailed, or too different in level for it to be included
in the text. In these cases, the derivations will be found less
obtrusively at the end of the chapter.
The variation of the shielded C
distance for different values of the Deby
Debye length, the more sharply the pote
case, a is an arbitrary unit of length.
Fig. 5.36
Exploration Write an expression f
unshielded and shielded Coulom
Then plot this expression against rD and
interpretation for the shape of the plot.
Appendices
Appendix 2 MATHEMATICAL TECHNIQUES
A2.6 Partial derivatives
A partial derivative of a function of more than one variable
of the function with respect to one of the variables, all the
constant (see Fig. 2.*). Although a partial derivative show
when one variable changes, it may be used to determine
when more than one variable changes by an infinitesimal a
tion of x and y, then when x and y change by dx and dy, res
df =
Physical chemistry draws on a lot of background material, especially in mathematics and physics. We have included a set of
Appendices to provide a quick survey of some of the information relating to units, physics, and mathematics that we draw
on in the text.
A ∂f D
A ∂f D
dx +
dy
C ∂x F y
C ∂y F x
where the symbol ∂ is used (instead of d) to denote a parti
df is also called the differential of f. For example, if f = ax 3y
A ∂f D
= 3ax 2y
C ∂x F y
1000
A ∂f D
= ax 3 + 2by
C ∂y F x
Synoptic tables and the Data section
DATA SECTION
Table 2.8 Expansion coefficients, α, and isothermal
compressibilities, κT
a/(10 − 4 K−1 )
Table 2.9 Inversion temperatures, no
points, and Joule–Thomson coefficient
kT /(10 −6 atm−1 )
Liquids
TI /K
Air
Benzene
12.4
92.1
Argon
Carbon tetrachloride
12.4
90.5
Carbon dioxide
Ethanol
11.2
76.8
Helium
Mercury
1.82
38.7
Hydrogen
Water
2.1
49.6
Krypton
Solids
Copper
0.501
0.735
Diamond
0.030
0.187
Iron
0.354
0.589
Lead
0.861
2.21
The values refer to 20°C.
Data: AIP(α), KL(κT).
Tf /K
603
723
83.8
1500
194.7s
40
202
14.0
1090
116.6
Methane
968
90.6
Neon
231
24.5
Nitrogen
621
63.3
Oxygen
764
54.8
s: sublimes.
Data: AIP, JL, and M.W. Zemansky, Heat and
New York (1957).
Long tables of data are helpful for assembling and solving
exercises and problems, but can break up the flow of the text.
We provide a lot of data in the Data section at the end of the
text and short extracts in the Synoptic tables in the text itself to
give an idea of the typical values of the physical quantities we
are introducing.
ABOUT THE BOOK
xi
Mathematics and Physics support
e
n
s
r
e
,
Comment 2.5
Comment 1.2
A hyperbola is a curve obtained by
plotting y against x with xy = constant.
e
e
The partial-differential operation
(∂z/∂x)y consists of taking the first
derivative of z(x,y) with respect to x,
treating y as a constant. For example,
if z(x,y) = x 2y, then
A ∂z D A ∂[x 2y] D
dx 2
B E =B
E =y
= 2yx
C ∂x F y C ∂x F y
dx
Comments
A topic often needs to draw on a mathematical procedure or a
concept of physics; a Comment is a quick reminder of the procedure or concept.
Partial derivatives are reviewed in
Appendix 2.
978
Appendices
Appendix 3 ESSENTIAL CONCEPTS OF PHYSICS
Classical mechanics
Classical mechanics describes the behaviour of objects in t
expresses the fact that the total energy is constant in the ab
other expresses the response of particles to the forces acti
pz
p
There is further information on mathematics and physics in
Appendices 2 and 3, respectively. These appendices do not go
into great detail, but should be enough to act as reminders of
topics learned in other courses.
A3.3 The trajectory in terms of the energy
The velocity, V, of a particle is the rate of change of its po
V=
py
dr
dt
The velocity is a vector, with both direction and magnit
velocity is the speed, v. The linear momentum, p, of a pa
its velocity, V, by
px
p = mV
The linear momentum of a particle is
a vector property and points in the
direction of motion.
A3.1
Like the velocity vector, the linear momentum vector poi
of the particle (Fig. A3.1). In terms of the linear momentu
ticle is
2
Problem solving
Illustrations
Illustration 5.2 Using Henry’s law
To estimate the molar solubility of oxygen in water at 25°C and a partial pressure
of 21 kPa, its partial pressure in the atmosphere at sea level, we write
bO2 =
pO2
KO2
=
21 kPa
7.9 × 104 kPa kg mol−1
= 2.9 × 10−4 mol kg−1
The molality of the saturated solution is therefore 0.29 mmol kg−1. To convert this
quantity to a molar concentration, we assume that the mass density of this dilute
solution is essentially that of pure water at 25°C, or ρH2O = 0.99709 kg dm−3. It follows that the molar concentration of oxygen is
[O2] = bO2 × ρH2O = 0.29 mmol kg−1 × 0.99709 kg dm−3 = 0.29 mmol dm−3
A note on good practice The number of significant figures in the result of a calcu-
lation should not exceed the number in the data (only two in this case).
Self-test 5.5 Calculate the molar solubility of nitrogen in water exposed to air at
25°C; partial pressures were calculated in Example 1.3.
[0.51 mmol dm−3]
An Illustration (don’t confuse this with a diagram!) is a short
example of how to use an equation that has just been introduced in the text. In particular, we show how to use data and
how to manipulate units correctly.
xii
ABOUT THE BOOK
Worked examples
Example 8.1 Calculating the number of photons
Calculate the number of photons emitted by a 100 W yellow lamp in 1.0 s. Take the
wavelength of yellow light as 560 nm and assume 100 per cent efficiency.
Method Each photon has an energy hν, so the total number of photons needed to
produce an energy E is E/hν. To use this equation, we need to know the frequency
of the radiation (from ν = c/λ) and the total energy emitted by the lamp. The latter
is given by the product of the power (P, in watts) and the time interval for which
the lamp is turned on (E = P∆t).
Answer The number of photons is
N=
E
hν
=
P∆t
h(c/λ)
=
A Worked example is a much more structured form of
Illustration, often involving a more elaborate procedure. Every
Worked example has a Method section to suggest how to set up
the problem (another way might seem more natural: setting up
problems is a highly personal business). Then there is the
worked-out Answer.
λP∆t
hc
Substitution of the data gives
N=
(5.60 × 10−7 m) × (100 J s−1) × (1.0 s)
(6.626 × 10−34 J s) × (2.998 × 108 m s−1)
= 2.8 × 1020
Note that it would take nearly 40 min to produce 1 mol of these photons.
A note on good practice To avoid rounding and other numerical errors, it is best
to carry out algebraic mainpulations first, and to substitute numerical values into
a single, final formula. Moreover, an analytical result may be used for other data
without having to repeat the entire calculation.
Self-test 8.1 How many photons does a monochromatic (single frequency)
infrared rangefinder of power 1 mW and wavelength 1000 nm emit in 0.1 s?
[5 × 1014]
Self-tests
Self-test 3.12 Calculate the change in Gm for ice at −10°C, with density 917 kg m−3,
[+2.0 J mol−1]
when the pressure is increased from 1.0 bar to 2.0 bar.
Discussion questions
Discussion questions
1.1 Explain how the perfect gas equation of state arises by combination of
Boyle’s law, Charles’s law, and Avogadro’s principle.
1.2 Explain the term ‘partial pressure’ and explain why Dalton’s law is a
limiting law.
1.3 Explain how the compression factor varies with pressure and temperature
and describe how it reveals information about intermolecular interactions in
real gases.
Each Worked example, and many of the Illustrations, has a Selftest, with the answer provided as a check that the procedure has
been mastered. There are also free-standing Self-tests where we
thought it a good idea to provide a question to check understanding. Think of Self-tests as in-chapter Exercises designed to
help monitor your progress.
1.4 What is the significance of the critical co
1.5 Describe the formulation of the van der
rationale for one other equation of state in T
1.6 Explain how the van der Waals equation
behaviour.
The end-of-chapter material starts with a short set of questions
that are intended to encourage reflection on the material and
to view it in a broader context than is obtained by solving numerical problems.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Exercises and Problems
Exercises
Molar absorption coefficient, &
14.1a The term symbol for the ground state of N 2+ is 2 Σ g. What is the total
spin and total orbital angular momentum of the molecule? Show that the term
symbol agrees with the electron configuration that would be predicted using
the building-up principle.
14.1b One of the excited states of the C2 molecule has the valence electron
configuration 1σ g21σ u21π u31π 1g. Give the multiplicity and parity of the term.
14.2a The molar absorption coefficient of a substance dissolved in hexane is
known to be 855 dm3 mol−1 cm−1 at 270 nm. Calculate the percentage
reduction in intensity when light of that wavelength passes through 2.5 mm of
a solution of concentration 3.25 mmol dm−3.
14.2b The molar absorption coefficient of a substance dissolved in hexane is
known to be 327 dm3 mol−1 cm−1 at 300 nm. Calculate the percentage
reduction in intensity when light of that wavelength passes through 1.50 mm
of a solution of concentration 2.22 mmol dm−3.
14.3a A solution of an unknown component of a biological sample when
placed in an absorption cell of path length 1.00 cm transmits 20.1 per cent of
light of 340 nm incident upon it. If the concentration of the component is
0.111 mmol dm−3, what is the molar absorption coefficient?
14.3b When light of wavelength 400 nm passes through 3.5 mm of a solution
of an absorbing substance at a concentration 0.667 mmol dm−3, the
transmission is 65.5 per cent. Calculate the molar absorption coefficient of the
solute at this wavelength and express the answer in cm2 mol−1.
& (%$) " &max{1 #
&max
%~max
Wavenumb
Fig. 14.49
14.7b The following data were obtained for th
in methylbenzene using a 2.50 mm cell. Calcu
coefficient of the dye at the wavelength emplo
[dye]/(mol dm−3)
0.0010
0.0050
0.0
T/(per cent)
73
21
4.2
ll
fill d
h
l
Problems
Assume all gases are perfect unless stated otherwise. Note that 1 atm =
1.013 25 bar. Unless otherwise stated, thermochemical data are for 298.15 K.
2.1 A sample consisting of 1 mol of perfect gas atoms (for which
CV,m = –32 R) is taken through the cycle shown in Fig. 2.34. (a) Determine the
temperature at the points 1, 2, and 3. (b) Calculate q, w, ∆U, and ∆H for each
step and for the overall cycle. If a numerical answer cannot be obtained from
the information given, then write in +, −, 0, or ? as appropriate.
1.00
Table 2.2. Calculate the standard enthalpy of
from its value at 298 K.
2.8 A sample of the sugar d-ribose (C5H10O
Numerical problems
Pressure, p/atm
xiii
2.9 The standard enthalpy of formation of t
bis(benzene)chromium was measured in a c
reaction Cr(C6H6)2(s) → Cr(s) + 2 C6H6(g) t
Find the corresponding reaction enthalpy an
of formation of the compound at 583 K. The
heat capacity of benzene is 136.1 J K−1 mol−1
81.67 J K−1 mol−1 as a gas.
2
1
in a calorimeter and then ignited in the prese
temperature rose by 0.910 K. In a separate ex
the combustion of 0.825 g of benzoic acid, fo
combustion is −3251 kJ mol−1, gave a temper
the internal energy of combustion of d-ribos
Isotherm
2.10‡ From the enthalpy of combustion dat
3
0.50
22.44
44.88
3
Volume, V/dm
Fig. 2.34
2.2 A sample consisting of 1.0 mol CaCO3(s) was heated to 800°C, when it
decomposed. The heating was carried out in a container fitted with a piston
that was initially resting on the solid. Calculate the work done during
complete decomposition at 1.0 atm. What work would be done if instead of
having a piston the container was open to the atmosphere?
alkanes methane through octane, test the ext
∆cH 7 = k{(M/(g mol−1)}n holds and find the
Predict ∆cH 7 for decane and compare to the
2.11 It is possible to investigate the thermoc
hydrocarbons with molecular modelling me
software to predict ∆cH 7 values for the alkan
calculate ∆cH 7 values, estimate the standard
CnH2(n+1)(g) by performing semi-empirical c
or PM3 methods) and use experimental stan
values for CO2(g) and H2O(l). (b) Compare
experimental values of ∆cH 7 (Table 2.5) and
the molecular modelling method. (c) Test th
∆cH 7 = k{(M/(g mol−1)}n holds and find the
2 12‡ When 1 3584 g of sodium acetate trih
The real core of testing understanding is the collection of endof-chapter Exercises and Problems. The Exercises are straightforward numerical tests that give practice with manipulating
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2. The first law
xvi
3.
4.
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7.
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Physical transformations of pure substances
Simple mixtures
Phase diagrams
Chemical equilibrium
Molecules in motion
The rates of chemical reactions
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Molecular reaction dynamics
Data section
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Index
Volume 2: Quantum Chemistry, Spectroscopy,
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9. Quantum theory: techniques and applications
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11.
12.
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16.
17.
Atomic structure and atomic spectra
Molecular structure
Molecular symmetry
Spectroscopy 1: rotational and vibrational spectra
Spectroscopy 2: electronic transitions
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About the authors
Julio de Paula is Professor of Chemistry and Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at
Lewis & Clark College. A native of Brazil, Professor de Paula received a B.A. degree in
chemistry from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and a Ph.D. in biophysical chemistry from Yale University. His research activities encompass the areas of
molecular spectroscopy, biophysical chemistry, and nanoscience. He has taught
courses in general chemistry, physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, instrumental
analysis, and writing.
Peter Atkins is Professor of Chemistry at Oxford University, a fellow of Lincoln
College, and the author of more than fifty books for students and a general audience.
His texts are market leaders around the globe. A frequent lecturer in the United States
and throughout the world, he has held visiting prefessorships in France, Israel, Japan,
China, and New Zealand. He was the founding chairman of the Committee on
Chemistry Education of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry and
a member of IUPAC’s Physical and Biophysical Chemistry Division.
Acknowledgements
A book as extensive as this could not have been written without
significant input from many individuals. We would like to reiterate
our thanks to the hundreds of people who contributed to the first
seven editions. Our warm thanks go Charles Trapp, Carmen Giunta,
and Marshall Cady who have produced the Solutions manuals that
accompany this book.
Many people gave their advice based on the seventh edition, and
others reviewed the draft chapters for the eighth edition as they
emerged. We therefore wish to thank the following colleagues most
warmly:
Joe Addison, Governors State University
Joseph Alia, University of Minnesota Morris
David Andrews, University of East Anglia
Mike Ashfold, University of Bristol
Daniel E. Autrey, Fayetteville State University
Jeffrey Bartz, Kalamazoo College
Martin Bates, University of Southampton
Roger Bickley, University of Bradford
E.M. Blokhuis, Leiden University
Jim Bowers, University of Exeter
Mark S. Braiman, Syracuse University
Alex Brown, University of Alberta
David E. Budil, Northeastern University
Dave Cook, University of Sheffield
Ian Cooper, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
T. Michael Duncan, Cornell University
Christer Elvingson, Uppsala University
Cherice M. Evans, Queens College—CUNY
Stephen Fletcher, Loughborough University
Alyx S. Frantzen, Stephen F. Austin State University
David Gardner, Lander University
Roberto A. Garza-López, Pomona College
Robert J. Gordon, University of Illinois at Chicago
Pete Griffiths, Cardiff University
Robert Haines, University of Prince Edward Island
Ron Haines, University of New South Wales
Arthur M. Halpern, Indiana State University
Tom Halstead, University of York
Todd M. Hamilton, Adrian College
Gerard S. Harbison, University Nebraska at Lincoln
Ulf Henriksson, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Mike Hey, University of Nottingham
Paul Hodgkinson, University of Durham
Robert E. Howard, University of Tulsa
Mike Jezercak, University of Central Oklahoma
Clarence Josefson, Millikin University
Pramesh N. Kapoor, University of Delhi
Peter Karadakov, University of York
Miklos Kertesz, Georgetown University
Neil R. Kestner, Louisiana State University
Sanjay Kumar, Indian Institute of Technology
Jeffry D. Madura, Duquesne University
Andrew Masters, University of Manchester
Paul May, University of Bristol
Mitchell D. Menzmer, Southwestern Adventist University
David A. Micha, University of Florida
Sergey Mikhalovsky, University of Brighton
Jonathan Mitschele, Saint Joseph’s College
Vicki D. Moravec, Tri-State University
Gareth Morris, University of Manchester
Tony Morton-Blake, Trinity College, Dublin
Andy Mount, University of Edinburgh
Maureen Kendrick Murphy, Huntingdon College
John Parker, Heriot Watt University
Jozef Peeters, University of Leuven
Michael J. Perona, CSU Stanislaus
Nils-Ola Persson, Linköping University
Richard Pethrick, University of Strathclyde
John A. Pojman, The University of Southern Mississippi
Durga M. Prasad, University of Hyderabad
Steve Price, University College London
S. Rajagopal, Madurai Kamaraj University
R. Ramaraj, Madurai Kamaraj University
David Ritter, Southeast Missouri State University
Bent Ronsholdt, Aalborg University
Stephen Roser, University of Bath
Kathryn Rowberg, Purdue University Calumet
S.A. Safron, Florida State University
Kari Salmi, Espoo-Vantaa Institute of Technology
Stephan Sauer, University of Copenhagen
Nicholas Schlotter, Hamline University
Roseanne J. Sension, University of Michigan
A.J. Shaka, University of California
Joe Shapter, Flinders University of South Australia
Paul D. Siders, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Harjinder Singh, Panjab University
Steen Skaarup, Technical University of Denmark
David Smith, University of Exeter
Patricia A. Snyder, Florida Atlantic University
Olle Söderman, Lund University
Peter Stilbs, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Svein Stølen, University of Oslo
Fu-Ming Tao, California State University, Fullerton
Eimer Tuite, University of Newcastle
Eric Waclawik, Queensland University of Technology
Yan Waguespack, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Terence E. Warner, University of Southern Denmark
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Richard Wells, University of Aberdeen
Ben Whitaker, University of Leeds
Christopher Whitehead, University of Manchester
Mark Wilson, University College London
Kazushige Yokoyama, State University of New York at Geneseo
Nigel Young, University of Hull
Sidney H. Young, University of South Alabama
xix
We also thank Fabienne Meyers (of the IUPAC Secretariat) for helping us to bring colour to most of the illustrations and doing so on a
very short timescale. We would also like to thank our two publishers,
Oxford University Press and W.H. Freeman & Co., for their constant
encouragement, advice, and assistance, and in particular our editors
Jonathan Crowe, Jessica Fiorillo, and Ruth Hughes. Authors could
not wish for a more congenial publishing environment.
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Summary of contents
PART 1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
PART 2
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
PART 3
21
22
23
24
25
Equilibrium
1
The properties of gases
The First Law
The Second Law
Physical transformations of pure substances
Simple mixtures
Phase diagrams
Chemical equilibrium
3
28
76
117
136
174
200
Structure
241
Quantum theory: introduction and principles
Quantum theory: techniques and applications
Atomic structure and atomic spectra
Molecular structure
Molecular symmetry
Molecular spectroscopy 1: rotational and vibrational spectra
Molecular spectroscopy 2: electronic transitions
Molecular spectroscopy 3: magnetic resonance
Statistical thermodynamics 1: the concepts
Statistical thermodynamics 2: applications
Molecular interactions
Materials 1: macromolecules and aggregates
Materials 2: the solid state
243
277
320
362
404
430
481
513
560
589
620
652
697
Change
745
Molecules in motion
The rates of chemical reactions
The kinetics of complex reactions
Molecular reaction dynamics
Processes at solid surfaces
747
791
830
869
909
Appendix 1: Quantities, units and notational conventions
Appendix 2: Mathematical techniques
Appendix 3: Essential concepts of physics
Data section
Answers to ‘a’ exercises
Answers to selected problems
Index
959
963
979
988
1028
1034
1040
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Contents
PART 1 Equilibrium
1 The properties of gases
1
3
The perfect gas
3
1.1
1.2
I1.1
3
7
The states of gases
The gas laws
Impact on environmental science: The gas laws
and the weather
11
Real gases
14
1.3
1.4
1.5
14
17
21
Molecular interactions
The van der Waals equation
The principle of corresponding states
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
2 The First Law
23
23
23
24
25
28
The basic concepts
28
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
I2.1
29
30
33
37
40
2.6
Work, heat, and energy
The internal energy
Expansion work
Heat transactions
Enthalpy
Impact on biochemistry and materials science:
Differential scanning calorimetry
Adiabatic changes
46
47
Thermochemistry
49
2.7
I2.2
2.8
2.9
49
52
54
56
Standard enthalpy changes
Impact on biology: Food and energy reserves
Standard enthalpies of formation
The temperature-dependence of reaction enthalpies
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
70
70
73
3 The Second Law
76
The direction of spontaneous change
77
3.1
3.2
I3.1
3.3
3.4
77
78
85
87
92
The dispersal of energy
Entropy
Impact on engineering: Refrigeration
Entropy changes accompanying specific processes
The Third Law of thermodynamics
Concentrating on the system
3.5
3.6
The Helmholtz and Gibbs energies
Standard reaction Gibbs energies
94
95
100
Combining the First and Second Laws
102
3.7
3.8
3.9
The fundamental equation
Properties of the internal energy
Properties of the Gibbs energy
102
103
105
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 3.1: The Born equation
Further information 3.2: Real gases: the fugacity
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
109
110
110
111
112
113
114
4 Physical transformations of pure substances
117
Phase diagrams
117
4.1
4.2
I4.1
117
118
4.3
The stabilities of phases
Phase boundaries
Impact on engineering and technology:
Supercritical fluids
Three typical phase diagrams
119
120
State functions and exact differentials
57
Phase stability and phase transitions
122
2.10
2.11
2.12
57
59
63
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
122
122
126
129
Exact and inexact differentials
Changes in internal energy
The Joule–Thomson effect
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 2.1: Adiabatic processes
Further information 2.2: The relation between heat capacities
67
68
69
69
The thermodynamic criterion of equilibrium
The dependence of stability on the conditions
The location of phase boundaries
The Ehrenfest classification of phase transitions
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
131
132
132
xxiv
CONTENTS
Exercises
Problems
132
133
7 Chemical equilibrium
200
Spontaneous chemical reactions
200
136
7.1
7.2
200
202
The thermodynamic description of mixtures
136
5.1
5.2
5.3
I5.1
136
141
143
The response of equilibria to the conditions
210
7.3
7.4
I7.1
210
211
5 Simple mixtures
Partial molar quantities
The thermodynamics of mixing
The chemical potentials of liquids
Impact on biology: Gas solubility and
breathing
147
The properties of solutions
148
5.4
5.5
I5.2
148
150
Liquid mixtures
Colligative properties
Impact on biology: Osmosis in physiology
and biochemistry
156
Activities
158
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
The solvent activity
The solute activity
The activities of regular solutions
The activities of ions in solution
158
159
162
163
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 5.1: The Debye–Hückel theory
of ionic solutions
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
166
167
167
169
169
171
The Gibbs energy minimum
The description of equilibrium
How equilibria respond to pressure
The response of equilibria to temperature
Impact on engineering: The extraction
of metals from their oxides
Equilibrium electrochemistry
216
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8
7.9
I7.2
216
217
218
222
224
Half-reactions and electrodes
Varieties of cells
The electromotive force
Standard potentials
Applications of standard potentials
Impact on biochemistry: Energy conversion
in biological cells
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
PART 2 Structure
8 Quantum theory: introduction and principles
6 Phase diagrams
215
225
233
234
234
235
236
241
243
174
The origins of quantum mechanics
243
244
249
253
Phases, components, and degrees of freedom
174
6.1
6.2
Definitions
The phase rule
174
176
8.1
8.2
I8.1
Two-component systems
179
The dynamics of microscopic systems
254
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
I6.1
I6.2
179
182
185
189
191
8.3
8.4
254
256
Vapour pressure diagrams
Temperature–composition diagrams
Liquid–liquid phase diagrams
Liquid–solid phase diagrams
Impact on materials science: Liquid crystals
Impact on materials science: Ultrapurity
and controlled impurity
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
The failures of classical physics
Wave–particle duality
Impact on biology: Electron microscopy
The Schrödinger equation
The Born interpretation of the wavefunction
Quantum mechanical principles
260
192
8.5
8.6
8.7
260
269
272
193
194
194
195
197
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
The information in a wavefunction
The uncertainty principle
The postulates of quantum mechanics
273
273
274
274
275
CONTENTS
9 Quantum theory: techniques and applications
277
11 Molecular structure
xxv
362
Translational motion
277
The Born–Oppenheimer approximation
362
9.1
9.2
9.3
I9.1
278
283
286
Valence-bond theory
363
11.1
11.2
363
365
288
Molecular orbital theory
368
11.3
11.4
11.5
I11.1
368
373
379
A particle in a box
Motion in two and more dimensions
Tunnelling
Impact on nanoscience: Scanning
probe microscopy
Vibrational motion
290
9.4
9.5
291
292
The energy levels
The wavefunctions
Rotational motion
297
9.6
9.7
297
I9.2
9.8
Rotation in two dimensions: a particle on a ring
Rotation in three dimensions: the particle on a
sphere
Impact on nanoscience: Quantum dots
Spin
301
306
308
Techniques of approximation
310
9.9
9.10
310
311
Time-independent perturbation theory
Time-dependent perturbation theory
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 9.1: Dirac notation
Further information 9.2: Perturbation theory
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
10 Atomic structure and atomic spectra
312
313
313
313
316
316
317
320
Homonuclear diatomic molecules
Polyatomic molecules
The hydrogen molecule-ion
Homonuclear diatomic molecules
Heteronuclear diatomic molecules
Impact on biochemistry: The
biochemical reactivity of O2, N2, and NO
385
Molecular orbitals for polyatomic systems
386
11.6
11.7
11.8
387
392
396
The Hückel approximation
Computational chemistry
The prediction of molecular properties
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
12 Molecular symmetry
398
399
399
399
400
404
The symmetry elements of objects
404
12.1
12.2
12.3
405
406
411
Operations and symmetry elements
The symmetry classification of molecules
Some immediate consequences of symmetry
The structure and spectra of hydrogenic atoms
320
Applications to molecular orbital theory and
spectroscopy
413
10.1
10.2
10.3
321
326
335
12.4
12.5
12.6
413
419
423
The structures of many-electron atoms
336
10.4
10.5
336
344
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
The structure of hydrogenic atoms
Atomic orbitals and their energies
Spectroscopic transitions and selection rules
The orbital approximation
Self-consistent field orbitals
The spectra of complex atoms
345
I10.1
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
346
346
347
348
352
Impact on astrophysics: Spectroscopy of stars
Quantum defects and ionization limits
Singlet and triplet states
Spin–orbit coupling
Term symbols and selection rules
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 10.1: The separation of motion
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
356
357
357
358
358
359
Character tables and symmetry labels
Vanishing integrals and orbital overlap
Vanishing integrals and selection rules
425
426
426
426
427
13 Molecular spectroscopy 1: rotational and
vibrational spectra
430
General features of spectroscopy
431
13.1
13.2
13.3
I13.1
431
432
436
Experimental techniques
The intensities of spectral lines
Linewidths
Impact on astrophysics: Rotational and
vibrational spectroscopy of interstellar space
438
xxvi
CONTENTS
Pure rotation spectra
441
13.4
13.5
13.6
13.7
13.8
441
443
446
449
450
Moments of inertia
The rotational energy levels
Rotational transitions
Rotational Raman spectra
Nuclear statistics and rotational states
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
15 Molecular spectroscopy 3: magnetic resonance
508
509
510
513
The vibrations of diatomic molecules
452
The effect of magnetic fields on electrons and nuclei
513
13.9
13.10
13.11
13.12
13.13
452
454
455
457
15.1
15.2
15.3
513
515
516
Molecular vibrations
Selection rules
Anharmonicity
Vibration–rotation spectra
Vibrational Raman spectra of diatomic
molecules
459
The vibrations of polyatomic molecules
13.14 Normal modes
13.15 Infrared absorption spectra of polyatomic
molecules
I13.2 Impact on environmental science: Global
warming
13.16 Vibrational Raman spectra of polyatomic
molecules
I13.3 Impact on biochemistry: Vibrational microscopy
13.17 Symmetry aspects of molecular vibrations
460
460
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 13.1: Spectrometers
Further information 13.2: Selection rules for rotational
and vibrational spectroscopy
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
469
470
470
14 Molecular spectroscopy 2: electronic transitions
464
466
466
473
476
476
478
481
The characteristics of electronic transitions
481
14.1 The electronic spectra of diatomic molecules
14.2 The electronic spectra of polyatomic molecules
I14.1 Impact on biochemistry: Vision
482
487
490
The fates of electronically excited states
492
14.3 Fluorescence and phosphorescence
I14.2 Impact on biochemistry: Fluorescence
492
microscopy
Dissociation and predissociation
494
495
14.4
Lasers
496
14.5
14.6
496
500
General principles of laser action
Applications of lasers in chemistry
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 14.1: Examples of practical lasers
Nuclear magnetic resonance
517
15.4
15.5
15.6
15.7
517
518
524
461
462
505
506
506
The energies of electrons in magnetic fields
The energies of nuclei in magnetic fields
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
The NMR spectrometer
The chemical shift
The fine structure
Conformational conversion and exchange
processes
532
Pulse techniqes in NMR
533
15.8
15.9
I15.1
15.10
15.11
15.12
15.13
533
536
540
541
542
544
548
The magnetization vector
Spin relaxation
Impact on medicine: Magnetic resonance imaging
Spin decoupling
The nuclear Overhauser effect
Two-dimensional NMR
Solid-state NMR
Electron paramagnetic resonance
549
15.14
15.15
15.16
I15.2
The EPR spectrometer
The g-value
Hyperfine structure
Impact on biochemistry: Spin probes
549
550
551
553
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 15.1: Fourier transformation of the
FID curve
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
554
555
16 Statistical thermodynamics 1: the concepts
560
555
556
556
557
The distribution of molecular states
561
16.1 Configurations and weights
16.2 The molecular partition function
I16.1 Impact on biochemistry: The helix–coil
561
564
transition in polypeptides
571
The internal energy and the entropy
573
16.3
16.4
573
575
The internal energy
The statistical entropy
CONTENTS
The canonical partition function
577
16.5
16.6
The canonical ensemble
The thermodynamic information in the
partition function
16.7 Independent molecules
577
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 16.1: The Boltzmann distribution
Further information 16.2: The Boltzmann formula
Further information 16.3: Temperatures below zero
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
581
582
582
583
584
585
586
586
17 Statistical thermodynamics 2: applications
589
578
579
Fundamental relations
589
17.1
17.2
589
591
The thermodynamic functions
The molecular partition function
Using statistical thermodynamics
599
17.3
17.4
17.5
17.6
17.7
17.8
599
601
604
606
609
610
Mean energies
Heat capacities
Equations of state
Molecular interactions in liquids
Residual entropies
Equilibrium constants
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
18 Molecular interactions
615
615
617
617
618
620
Electric properties of molecules
620
18.1
18.2
18.3
620
624
627
Electric dipole moments
Polarizabilities
Relative permittivities
Interactions between molecules
629
18.4 Interactions between dipoles
18.5 Repulsive and total interactions
I18.1 Impact on medicine: Molecular recognition
629
637
and drug design
638
Gases and liquids
640
18.6
18.7
18.8
640
641
645
Molecular interactions in gases
The liquid–vapour interface
Condensation
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 18.1: The dipole–dipole interaction
Further information 18.2: The basic principles of
molecular beams
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
19 Materials 1: macromolecules and aggregates
xxvii
646
646
646
647
648
648
649
652
Determination of size and shape
652
19.1
19.2
19.3
19.4
19.5
I19.1
653
655
657
660
663
Mean molar masses
Mass spectrometry
Laser light scattering
Ultracentrifugation
Electrophoresis
Impact on biochemistry: Gel electrophoresis in
genomics and proteomics
19.6 Viscosity
664
665
Structure and dynamics
667
19.7
19.8
19.9
I19.2
19.10
19.11
19.12
667
668
673
674
675
679
681
The different levels of structure
Random coils
The structure and stability of synthetic polymers
Impact on technology: Conducting polymers
The structure of proteins
The structure of nucleic acids
The stability of proteins and nucleic acids
Self-assembly
681
19.13
19.14
19.15
I19.3
682
685
687
Colloids
Micelles and biological membranes
Surface films
Impact on nanoscience: Nanofabrication with
self-assembled monolayers
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 19.1: The Rayleigh ratio
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
20 Materials 2: the solid state
690
690
691
691
692
692
693
697
Crystal lattices
697
20.1
20.2
20.3
I20.1
697
700
702
Lattices and unit cells
The identification of lattice planes
The investigation of structure
Impact on biochemistry: X-ray crystallography
of biological macromolecules
20.4 Neutron and electron diffraction
711
713
xxviii
CONTENTS
Crystal structure
715
20.5
20.6
20.7
715
717
720
Metallic solids
Ionic solids
Molecular solids and covalent networks
The properties of solids
721
20.8
20.9
I20.2
20.10
20.11
20.12
721
723
728
728
733
736
Mechanical properties
Electrical properties
Impact on nanoscience: Nanowires
Optical properties
Magnetic properties
Superconductors
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
738
739
739
740
741
PART 3 Change
745
21 Molecules in motion
747
Molecular motion in gases
747
21.1 The kinetic model of gases
I21.1 Impact on astrophysics: The Sun as a ball of
748
perfect gas
21.2 Collision with walls and surfaces
21.3 The rate of effusion
21.4 Transport properties of a perfect gas
754
755
756
757
Molecular motion in liquids
761
21.5
21.6
21.7
21.8
I21.2
761
761
764
769
Experimental results
The conductivities of electrolyte solutions
The mobilities of ions
Conductivities and ion–ion interactions
Impact on biochemistry: Ion channels and ion
pumps
770
Diffusion
772
21.9 The thermodynamic view
21.10 The diffusion equation
I21.3 Impact on biochemistry: Transport of non-
772
776
electrolytes across biological membranes
21.11 Diffusion probabilities
21.12 The statistical view
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 21.1: The transport characteristics of
a perfect gas
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
22 The rates of chemical reactions
Empirical chemical kinetics
791
22.1
22.2
22.3
22.4
22.5
792
794
798
804
807
783
783
784
785
786
788
Experimental techniques
The rates of reactions
Integrated rate laws
Reactions approaching equilibrium
The temperature dependence of reaction rates
Accounting for the rate laws
809
22.6 Elementary reactions
22.7 Consecutive elementary reactions
I22.1 Impact on biochemistry: The kinetics of the
809
811
helix–coil transition in polypeptides
Unimolecular reactions
818
820
22.8
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 22.1: The RRK model of
unimolecular reactions
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
23 The kinetics of complex reactions
823
823
824
825
825
826
830
Chain reactions
830
23.1
23.2
830
833
The rate laws of chain reactions
Explosions
Polymerization kinetics
835
23.3
23.4
835
836
Stepwise polymerization
Chain polymerization
Homogeneous catalysis
839
23.5
23.6
839
840
Features of homogeneous catalysis
Enzymes
Photochemistry
23.7
I23.1
I23.2
779
780
781
791
23.8
I23.3
Kinetics of photophysical and photochemical
processes
Impact on environmental science: The chemistry
of stratospheric ozone
Impact on biochemistry: Harvesting of light
during plant photosynthesis
Complex photochemical processes
Impact on medicine: Photodynamic therapy
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 23.1: The Förster theory of resonance
energy transfer
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
845
845
853
856
858
860
861
862
862
863
863
864
CONTENTS
24 Molecular reaction dynamics
869
Reactive encounters
869
24.1
24.2
24.3
870
876
879
Collision theory
Diffusion-controlled reactions
The material balance equation
Transition state theory
880
24.4
24.5
The Eyring equation
Thermodynamic aspects
880
883
The dynamics of molecular collisions
885
24.6
24.7
24.8
24.9
886
887
888
Reactive collisions
Potential energy surfaces
Some results from experiments and calculations
The investigation of reaction dynamics with
ultrafast laser techniques
892
25.12
I25.3
25.13
I25.4
Working galvanic cells
Impact on technology: Fuel cells
Corrosion
Impact on technology: Protecting materials
against corrosion
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 25.1: The relation between electrode
potential and the Galvani potential
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
Appendix 1 Quantities, units, and notational
conventions
xxix
945
947
948
949
951
951
952
952
953
955
959
Electron transfer in homogeneous systems
894
Names of quantities
959
24.10
24.11
24.12
I24.1
894
896
898
Units
960
Notational conventions
961
Further reading
962
The rates of electron transfer processes
Theory of electron transfer processes
Experimental results
Impact on biochemistry: Electron transfer in and
between proteins
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 24.1: The Gibbs energy of activation
of electron transfer and the Marcus cross-relation
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
900
902
903
903
904
904
905
Appendix 2 Mathematical techniques
963
Basic procedures
963
A2.1 Logarithms and exponentials
A2.2 Complex numbers and complex functions
A2.3 Vectors
963
963
964
Calculus
965
965
967
968
969
969
971
The growth and structure of solid surfaces
909
25.1
25.2
910
911
A2.4
A2.5
A2.6
A2.7
A2.8
A2.9
The extent of adsorption
916
Statistics and probability
973
25.3
25.4
25.5
I25.1
916
917
922
925
A2.10 Random selections
A2.11 Some results of probability theory
973
974
Matrix algebra
975
A2.12 Matrix addition and multiplication
A2.13 Simultaneous equations
A2.14 Eigenvalue equations
975
976
977
Further reading
978
25 Processes at solid surfaces
Surface growth
Surface composition
Physisorption and chemisorption
Adsorption isotherms
The rates of surface processes
Impact on biochemistry: Biosensor analysis
909
Heterogeneous catalysis
926
25.6 Mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis
25.7 Catalytic activity at surfaces
I25.2 Impact on technology: Catalysis in the
927
928
chemical industry
929
Processes at electrodes
932
25.8
25.9
25.10
25.11
932
934
940
944
The electrode–solution interface
The rate of charge transfer
Voltammetry
Electrolysis
Differentiation and integration
Power series and Taylor expansions
Partial derivatives
Functionals and functional derivatives
Undetermined multipliers
Differential equations
Appendix 3 Essential concepts of physics
979
Energy
979
A3.1 Kinetic and potential energy
A3.2 Energy units
979
979
xxx
CONTENTS
Classical mechanics
980
A3.3 The trajectory in terms of the
energy
A3.4 Newton’s second law
A3.5 Rotational motion
A3.6 The harmonic oscillator
980
980
981
982
Waves
983
A3.7
A3.8
A3.9
A3.10
983
983
984
985
The electromagnetic field
Features of electromagnetic radiation
Refraction
Optical activity
Electrostatics
985
A3.11
A3.12
A3.13
A3.14
986
986
986
987
The Coulomb interaction
The Coulomb potential
The strength of the electric field
Electric current and power
Further reading
Data section
Answers to ‘b’ exercises
Answers to selected problems
Index
987
988
1028
1034
1040
List of impact sections
I1.1
I2.1
I2.2
I3.1
I4.1
I5.1
I5.2
I6.1
I6.2
I7.1
I7.2
I8.1
I9.1
I9.2
I10.1
I11.1
I13.1
I13.2
I13.3
I14.1
I14.2
I15.1
I15.2
I16.1
I18.1
I19.1
I19.2
I19.3
I20.1
I20.2
I21.1
I21.2
I21.3
I22.1
I23.1
I23.2
I23.3
I24.1
I25.1
I25.2
I25.3
I25.4
Impact on environmental science: The gas laws and the weather
Impact on biochemistry and materials science: Differential scanning calorimetry
Impact on biology: Food and energy reserves
Impact on engineering: Refrigeration
Impact on engineering and technology: Supercritical fluids
Impact on biology: Gas solubility and breathing
Impact on biology: Osmosis in physiology and biochemistry
Impact on materials science: Liquid crystals
Impact on materials science: Ultrapurity and controlled impurity
Impact on engineering: The extraction of metals from their oxides
Impact on biochemistry: Energy conversion in biological cells
Impact on biology: Electron microscopy
Impact on nanoscience: Scanning probe microscopy
Impact on nanoscience: Quantum dots
Impact on astrophysics: Spectroscopy of stars
Impact on biochemistry: The biochemical reactivity of O2, N2, and NO
Impact on astrophysics: Rotational and vibrational spectroscopy
interstellar space
Impact on environmental science: Global warming
Impact on biochemistry: Vibrational microscopy
Impact on biochemistry: Vision
Impact on biochemistry: Fluorescence microscopy
Impact on medicine: Magnetic resonance imaging
Impact on biochemistry: Spin probes
Impact on biochemistry: The helix–coil transition in polypeptides
Impact on medicine: Molecular recognition and drug design
Impact on biochemistry: Gel electrophoresis in genomics and proteomics
Impact on technology: Conducting polymers
Impact on nanoscience: Nanofabrication with self-assembled monolayers
Impact on biochemistry: X-ray crystallography of biological macromolecules
Impact on nanoscience: Nanowires
Impact on astrophysics: The Sun as a ball of perfect gas
Impact on biochemistry: Ion channels and ion pumps
Impact on biochemistry: Transport of non-electrolytes across biological
membranes
Impact on biochemistry: The kinetics of the helix–coil transition in
polypeptides
Impact on environmental science: The chemistry of stratospheric ozone
Impact on biochemistry: Harvesting of light during plant photosynthesis
Impact on medicine: Photodynamic therapy
Impact on biochemistry: Electron transfer in and between proteins
Impact on biochemistry: Biosensor analysis
Impact on technology: Catalysis in the chemical industry
Impact on technology: Fuel cells
Impact on technology: Protecting materials against corrosion
11
46
52
85
119
147
156
191
192
215
225
253
288
306
346
385
438
462
466
490
494
540
553
571
638
664
674
690
711
728
754
770
779
818
853
856
860
900
925
929
947
949
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PART 1 Equilibrium
Part 1 of the text develops the concepts that are needed for the discussion of
equilibria in chemistry. Equilibria include physical change, such as fusion and
vaporization, and chemical change, including electrochemistry. The discussion is
in terms of thermodynamics, and particularly in terms of enthalpy and entropy.
We see that we can obtain a unified view of equilibrium and the direction of
spontaneous change in terms of the chemical potentials of substances. The
chapters in Part 1 deal with the bulk properties of matter; those of Part 2 will
show how these properties stem from the behaviour of individual atoms.
1 The properties of gases
2 The First Law
3 The Second Law
4 Physical transformations of pure substances
5 Simple mixtures
6 Phase diagrams
7 Chemical equilibrium
This page intentionally left blank
1
The properties
of gases
This chapter establishes the properties of gases that will be used throughout the text. It
begins with an account of an idealized version of a gas, a perfect gas, and shows how its
equation of state may be assembled experimentally. We then see how the properties of real
gases differ from those of a perfect gas, and construct an equation of state that describes
their properties.
The simplest state of matter is a gas, a form of matter that fills any container it
occupies. Initially we consider only pure gases, but later in the chapter we see that the
same ideas and equations apply to mixtures of gases too.
The perfect gas
1.1 The states of gases
1.2 The gas laws
I1.1 Impact on environmental
science: The gas laws and the
weather
Real gases
1.3 Molecular interactions
1.4 The van der Waals equation
The perfect gas
1.5 The principle of corresponding
We shall find it helpful to picture a gas as a collection of molecules (or atoms) in continuous random motion, with average speeds that increase as the temperature is raised.
A gas differs from a liquid in that, except during collisions, the molecules of a gas are
widely separated from one another and move in paths that are largely unaffected by
intermolecular forces.
states
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
1.1 The states of gases
The physical state of a sample of a substance, its physical condition, is defined by its
physical properties. Two samples of a substance that have the same physical properties are in the same state. The state of a pure gas, for example, is specified by giving its
volume, V, amount of substance (number of moles), n, pressure, p, and temperature,
T. However, it has been established experimentally that it is sufficient to specify only
three of these variables, for then the fourth variable is fixed. That is, it is an experimental fact that each substance is described by an equation of state, an equation that
interrelates these four variables.
The general form of an equation of state is
p = f(T,V,n)
(1.1)
This equation tells us that, if we know the values of T, V, and n for a particular substance, then the pressure has a fixed value. Each substance is described by its own
equation of state, but we know the explicit form of the equation in only a few special
cases. One very important example is the equation of state of a ‘perfect gas’, which has
the form p = nRT/V, where R is a constant. Much of the rest of this chapter will examine the origin of this equation of state and its applications.
4
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
Table 1.1 Pressure units
Name
Symbol
Value
pascal
1 Pa
1 N m−2, 1 kg m−1 s−2
bar
1 bar
105 Pa
atmosphere
1 atm
101.325 kPa
torr
1 Torr
(101 325/760) Pa = 133.32 . . . Pa
millimetres of mercury
1 mmHg
133.322 . . . Pa
pound per square inch
1 psi
6.894 757 . . . kPa
(a) Pressure
Comment 1.1
The International System of units (SI,
from the French Système International
d’Unités) is discussed in Appendix 1.
Movable
wall
High
Low
pressure
pressure
Pressure is defined as force divided by the area to which the force is applied. The
greater the force acting on a given area, the greater the pressure. The origin of the force
exerted by a gas is the incessant battering of the molecules on the walls of its container.
The collisions are so numerous that they exert an effectively steady force, which is
experienced as a steady pressure.
The SI unit of pressure, the pascal (Pa), is defined as 1 newton per metre-squared:
1 Pa = 1 N m−2
[1.2a]
In terms of base units,
1 Pa = 1 kg m−1 s−2
[1.2b]
Several other units are still widely used (Table 1.1); of these units, the most commonly
used are atmosphere (1 atm = 1.013 25 × 105 Pa exactly) and bar (1 bar = 105 Pa). A
pressure of 1 bar is the standard pressure for reporting data; we denote it p7.
(a)
Motion
Equal pressures
Self-test 1.1 Calculate the pressure (in pascals and atmospheres) exerted by a mass
of 1.0 kg pressing through the point of a pin of area 1.0 × 10−2 mm2 at the surface
of the Earth. Hint. The force exerted by a mass m due to gravity at the surface of the
Earth is mg, where g is the acceleration of free fall (see endpaper 2 for its standard
value).
[0.98 GPa, 9.7 × 103 atm]
(b)
Low
pressure
High
pressure
(c)
When a region of high pressure is
separated from a region of low pressure by
a movable wall, the wall will be pushed into
one region or the other, as in (a) and (c).
However, if the two pressures are identical,
the wall will not move (b). The latter
condition is one of mechanical equilibrium
between the two regions.
Fig. 1.1
If two gases are in separate containers that share a common movable wall (Fig. 1.1),
the gas that has the higher pressure will tend to compress (reduce the volume of) the
gas that has lower pressure. The pressure of the high-pressure gas will fall as it expands
and that of the low-pressure gas will rise as it is compressed. There will come a stage
when the two pressures are equal and the wall has no further tendency to move. This
condition of equality of pressure on either side of a movable wall (a ‘piston’) is a state
of mechanical equilibrium between the two gases. The pressure of a gas is therefore
an indication of whether a container that contains the gas will be in mechanical equilibrium with another gas with which it shares a movable wall.
(b) The measurement of pressure
The pressure exerted by the atmosphere is measured with a barometer. The original
version of a barometer (which was invented by Torricelli, a student of Galileo) was an
inverted tube of mercury sealed at the upper end. When the column of mercury is in
mechanical equilibrium with the atmosphere, the pressure at its base is equal to that
1.1 THE STATES OF GASES
exerted by the atmosphere. It follows that the height of the mercury column is proportional to the external pressure.
'
Example 1.1 Calculating the pressure exerted by a column of liquid
Derive an equation for the pressure at the base of a column of liquid of mass
density ρ (rho) and height h at the surface of the Earth.
l
Method Pressure is defined as p = F/A where F is the force applied to the area A,
and F = mg. To calculate F we need to know the mass m of the column of liquid,
which is its mass density, ρ, multiplied by its volume, V: m = ρV. The first step,
therefore, is to calculate the volume of a cylindrical column of liquid.
1
Answer Let the column have cross-sectional area A; then its volume is Ah and its
mass is m = ρAh. The force the column of this mass exerts at its base is
Diathermic
wall
F = mg = ρAhg
High
temperature
The pressure at the base of the column is therefore
p=
F ρAhg
=
= ρgh
A
A
(1.3)
Note that the pressure is independent of the shape and cross-sectional area of the
column. The mass of the column of a given height increases as the area, but so does
the area on which the force acts, so the two cancel.
(a)
Self-test 1.2 Derive an expression for the pressure at the base of a column of liquid
of length l held at an angle θ (theta) to the vertical (1).
Low
temperature
Energy as heat
[p = ρgl cos θ]
The pressure of a sample of gas inside a container is measured by using a pressure
gauge, which is a device with electrical properties that depend on the pressure. For
instance, a Bayard–Alpert pressure gauge is based on the ionization of the molecules
present in the gas and the resulting current of ions is interpreted in terms of the pressure. In a capacitance manometer, the deflection of a diaphragm relative to a fixed electrode is monitored through its effect on the capacitance of the arrangement. Certain
semiconductors also respond to pressure and are used as transducers in solid-state
pressure gauges.
Equal temperatures
(b)
Low
temperature
High
temperature
(c) Temperature
The concept of temperature springs from the observation that a change in physical
state (for example, a change of volume) can occur when two objects are in contact
with one another, as when a red-hot metal is plunged into water. Later (Section 2.1)
we shall see that the change in state can be interpreted as arising from a flow of energy
as heat from one object to another. The temperature, T, is the property that indicates
the direction of the flow of energy through a thermally conducting, rigid wall. If
energy flows from A to B when they are in contact, then we say that A has a higher
temperature than B (Fig. 1.2).
It will prove useful to distinguish between two types of boundary that can separate
the objects. A boundary is diathermic (thermally conducting) if a change of state is
observed when two objects at different temperatures are brought into contact.1 A
1
The word dia is from the Greek for ‘through’.
(c)
Energy flows as heat from a region
at a higher temperature to one at a lower
temperature if the two are in contact
through a diathermic wall, as in (a) and
(c). However, if the two regions have
identical temperatures, there is no net
transfer of energy as heat even though the
two regions are separated by a diathermic
wall (b). The latter condition corresponds
to the two regions being at thermal
equilibrium.
Fig. 1.2
5
6
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
A
Equilibrium
Equilibrium
C
B
Equilibrium
The experience summarized by the
Zeroth Law of thermodynamics is that, if
an object A is in thermal equilibrium with
B and B is in thermal equilibrium with C,
then C is in thermal equilibrium with A.
Fig. 1.3
metal container has diathermic walls. A boundary is adiabatic (thermally insulating)
if no change occurs even though the two objects have different temperatures. A
vacuum flask is an approximation to an adiabatic container.
The temperature is a property that indicates whether two objects would be in
‘thermal equilibrium’ if they were in contact through a diathermic boundary. Thermal
equilibrium is established if no change of state occurs when two objects A to B are in
contact through a diathermic boundary. Suppose an object A (which we can think of
as a block of iron) is in thermal equilibrium with an object B (a block of copper), and
that B is also in thermal equilibrium with another object C (a flask of water). Then it
has been found experimentally that A and C will also be in thermal equilibrium when
they are put in contact (Fig. 1.3). This observation is summarized by the Zeroth Law
of thermodynamics:
If A is in thermal equilibrium with B, and B is in thermal equilibrium with C, then
C is also in thermal equilibrium with A.
The Zeroth Law justifies the concept of temperature and the use of a thermometer,
a device for measuring the temperature. Thus, suppose that B is a glass capillary containing a liquid, such as mercury, that expands significantly as the temperature
increases. Then, when A is in contact with B, the mercury column in the latter has a
certain length. According to the Zeroth Law, if the mercury column in B has the same
length when it is placed in thermal contact with another object C, then we can predict
that no change of state of A and C will occur when they are in thermal contact. Moreover, we can use the length of the mercury column as a measure of the temperatures
of A and C.
In the early days of thermometry (and still in laboratory practice today), temperatures were related to the length of a column of liquid, and the difference in lengths
shown when the thermometer was first in contact with melting ice and then with
boiling water was divided into 100 steps called ‘degrees’, the lower point being labelled
0. This procedure led to the Celsius scale of temperature. In this text, temperatures
on the Celsius scale are denoted θ and expressed in degrees Celsius (°C). However,
because different liquids expand to different extents, and do not always expand
uniformly over a given range, thermometers constructed from different materials
showed different numerical values of the temperature between their fixed points. The
pressure of a gas, however, can be used to construct a perfect-gas temperature scale
that is independent of the identity of the gas. The perfect-gas scale turns out to be
identical to the thermodynamic temperature scale to be introduced in Section 3.2c,
so we shall use the latter term from now on to avoid a proliferation of names. On
the thermodynamic temperature scale, temperatures are denoted T and are normally
reported in kelvins, K (not °K). Thermodynamic and Celsius temperatures are related
by the exact expression
T/K = θ/°C + 273.15
(1.4)
This relation, in the form θ/°C = T/K − 273.15, is the current definition of the Celsius
scale in terms of the more fundamental Kelvin scale. It implies that a difference in
temperature of 1°C is equivalent to a difference of 1 K.
A note on good practice We write T = 0, not T = 0 K for the zero temperature
on the thermodynamic temperature scale. This scale is absolute, and the lowest
temperature is 0 regardless of the size of the divisions on the scale (just as we write
p = 0 for zero pressure, regardless of the size of the units we adopt, such as bar or
pascal). However, we write 0°C because the Celsius scale is not absolute.
1.2 THE GAS LAWS
7
Illustration 1.1 Converting temperatures
To express 25.00°C as a temperature in kelvins, we use eqn 1.4 to write
T/K = (25.00°C)/°C + 273.15 = 25.00 + 273.15 = 298.15
Increasing
temperature, T
Pressure, p
Note how the units (in this case, °C) are cancelled like numbers. This is the procedure called ‘quantity calculus’ in which a physical quantity (such as the temperature)
is the product of a numerical value (25.00) and a unit (1°C). Multiplication of both
sides by the unit K then gives T = 298.15 K.
A note on good practice When the units need to be specified in an equation, the
approved procedure, which avoids any ambiguity, is to write (physical quantity)/
units, which is a dimensionless number, just as (25.00°C)/°C = 25.00 in this
Illustration. Units may be multiplied and cancelled just like numbers.
0
1.2 The gas laws
The equation of state of a gas at low pressure was established by combining a series of
empirical laws.
(a) The perfect gas law
(1.5)°
Charles’s law: V = constant × T, at constant n, p
(1.6a)°
p = constant × T, at constant n, V
(1.6b)°
Avogadro’s principle: V = constant × n at constant p, T
2
Volume, V
The pressure–volume dependence
of a fixed amount of perfect gas at different
temperatures. Each curve is a hyperbola
(pV = constant) and is called an isotherm.
Fig. 1.4
Exploration3 Explore how the
We assume that the following individual gas laws are familiar:
Boyle’s law: pV = constant, at constant n, T
0
pressure of 1.5 mol CO2(g) varies
with volume as it is compressed at
(a) 273 K, (b) 373 K from 30 dm3 to
15 dm3.
(1.7)°
Boyle’s and Charles’s laws are examples of a limiting law, a law that is strictly true only
in a certain limit, in this case p → 0. Equations valid in this limiting sense will be
signalled by a ° on the equation number, as in these expressions. Avogadro’s principle
is commonly expressed in the form ‘equal volumes of gases at the same temperature
and pressure contain the same numbers of molecules’. In this form, it is increasingly
true as p → 0. Although these relations are strictly true only at p = 0, they are
reasonably reliable at normal pressures (p ≈ 1 bar) and are used widely throughout
chemistry.
Figure 1.4 depicts the variation of the pressure of a sample of gas as the volume is
changed. Each of the curves in the graph corresponds to a single temperature and
hence is called an isotherm. According to Boyle’s law, the isotherms of gases are
hyperbolas. An alternative depiction, a plot of pressure against 1/volume, is shown in
Fig. 1.5. The linear variation of volume with temperature summarized by Charles’s
law is illustrated in Fig. 1.6. The lines in this illustration are examples of isobars, or
lines showing the variation of properties at constant pressure. Figure 1.7 illustrates the
linear variation of pressure with temperature. The lines in this diagram are isochores,
or lines showing the variation of properties at constant volume.
2
Avogadro’s principle is a principle rather than a law (a summary of experience) because it depends on
the validity of a model, in this case the existence of molecules. Despite there now being no doubt about the
existence of molecules, it is still a model-based principle rather than a law.
3
To solve this and other Explorations, use either mathematical software or the Living graphs from the
text’s web site.
Comment 1.2
A hyperbola is a curve obtained by
plotting y against x with xy = constant.
Volume, V
Pressure, p
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
Pressure, p
8
Decreasing
pressure, p
Increasing
temperature, T
Extrapolation
0
0
1/V
Straight lines are obtained when the
pressure is plotted against 1/V at constant
temperature.
Fig. 1.5
Exploration Repeat Exploration 1.4,
but plot the data as p against 1/V.
Extrapolation
0
0
Temperature, T
The variation of the volume of a
fixed amount of gas with the temperature
at constant pressure. Note that in each case
the isobars extrapolate to zero volume at
T = 0, or θ = −273°C.
Fig. 1.6
Exploration Explore how the volume
of 1.5 mol CO2(g) in a container
maintained at (a) 1.00 bar, (b) 0.50 bar
varies with temperature as it is cooled from
373 K to 273 K.
Decreasing
volume, V
Extrapolation
0
0
Temperature, T
The pressure also varies linearly
with the temperature at constant volume,
and extrapolates to zero at T = 0 (−273°C).
Fig. 1.7
Exploration Explore how the pressure
of 1.5 mol CO2(g) in a container of
volume (a) 30 dm3, (b) 15 dm3 varies with
temperature as it is cooled from 373 K to
273 K.
A note on good practice To test the validity of a relation between two quantities, it
is best to plot them in such a way that they should give a straight line, for deviations
from a straight line are much easier to detect than deviations from a curve.
The empirical observations summarized by eqns 1.5–7 can be combined into a
single expression:
pV = constant × nT
This expression is consistent with Boyle’s law (pV = constant) when n and T are constant, with both forms of Charles’s law (p ∝ T, V ∝ T) when n and either V or p are
held constant, and with Avogadro’s principle (V ∝ n) when p and T are constant. The
constant of proportionality, which is found experimentally to be the same for all
gases, is denoted R and called the gas constant. The resulting expression
pV = nRT
(1.8)°
is the perfect gas equation. It is the approximate equation of state of any gas, and
becomes increasingly exact as the pressure of the gas approaches zero. A gas that obeys
eqn 1.8 exactly under all conditions is called a perfect gas (or ideal gas). A real gas,
an actual gas, behaves more like a perfect gas the lower the pressure, and is described
exactly by eqn 1.8 in the limit of p → 0. The gas constant R can be determined by
evaluating R = pV/nT for a gas in the limit of zero pressure (to guarantee that it is
1.2 THE GAS LAWS
behaving perfectly). However, a more accurate value can be obtained by measuring
the speed of sound in a low-pressure gas (argon is used in practice) and extrapolating
its value to zero pressure. Table 1.2 lists the values of R in a variety of units.
Table 1.2 The gas constant
R
J K−1 mol−1
8.314 47
Molecular interpretation 1.1 The kinetic model of gases
The molecular explanation of Boyle’s law is that, if a sample of gas is compressed
to half its volume, then twice as many molecules strike the walls in a given period
of time than before it was compressed. As a result, the average force exerted on
the walls is doubled. Hence, when the volume is halved the pressure of the gas is
doubled, and p × V is a constant. Boyle’s law applies to all gases regardless of their
chemical identity (provided the pressure is low) because at low pressures the average separation of molecules is so great that they exert no influence on one another
and hence travel independently. The molecular explanation of Charles’s law lies
in the fact that raising the temperature of a gas increases the average speed of its
molecules. The molecules collide with the walls more frequently and with greater
impact. Therefore they exert a greater pressure on the walls of the container.
These qualitative concepts are expressed quantitatively in terms of the kinetic
model of gases, which is described more fully in Chapter 21. Briefly, the kinetic
model is based on three assumptions:
9
8.205 74 × 10
−2
dm3 atm K−1 mol−1
8.314 47 × 10
−2
dm3 bar K−1 mol−1
8.314 47
Pa m3 K−1 mol−1
1 62.364
dm3 Torr K−1 mol−1
1.987 21
cal K−1 mol−1
1. The gas consists of molecules of mass m in ceaseless random motion.
2. The size of the molecules is negligible, in the sense that their diameters are
much smaller than the average distance travelled between collisions.
3. The molecules interact only through brief, infrequent, and elastic collisions.
An elastic collision is a collision in which the total translational kinetic energy of the
molecules is conserved. From the very economical assumptions of the kinetic
model, it can be deduced (as we shall show in detail in Chapter 21) that the pressure and volume of the gas are related by
pV = 13 nMc 2
(1.9)°
where M = mNA, the molar mass of the molecules, and c is the root mean square
speed of the molecules, the square root of the mean of the squares of the speeds, v,
of the molecules:
c = !v2"1/2
(1.10)
We see that, if the root mean square speed of the molecules depends only on the
temperature, then at constant temperature
pV = constant
which is the content of Boyle’s law. Moreover, for eqn 1.9 to be the equation of
state of a perfect gas, its right-hand side must be equal to nRT. It follows that the
root mean square speed of the molecules in a gas at a temperature T must be
⎛ 3RT ⎞
c=⎜
⎟
⎝ M ⎠
1/2
(1.11)°
We can conclude that the root mean square speed of the molecules of a gas is proportional to the square root of the temperature and inversely proportional to the square
root of the molar mass. That is, the higher the temperature, the higher the root mean
square speed of the molecules, and, at a given temperature, heavy molecules travel
more slowly than light molecules. The root mean square speed of N2 molecules, for
instance, is found from eqn 1.11 to be 515 m s−1 at 298 K.
Comment 1.3
For an object of mass m moving at a
speed 1, the kinetic energy is EK = –12 m12.
The potential energy, EP or V, of an
object is the energy arising from its
position (not speed). No universal
expression for the potential energy can
be given because it depends on the type
of interaction the object experiences.
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
p µ 1/V
isotherm
VµT
isobar
A region of the p,V,T surface of a
fixed amount of perfect gas. The points
forming the surface represent the only
states of the gas that can exist.
Fig. 1.8
T
Volu
me,
V
Tem
pera
ture
,
Tem
pera
ture
,T
Volu
me,
V
Pressure, p
pµT
isochore
Surface
of possible
states
Pressure, p
10
Sections through the surface shown
in Fig. 1.8 at constant temperature give the
isotherms shown in Fig. 1.4 and the isobars
shown in Fig. 1.6.
Fig. 1.9
The surface in Fig. 1.8 is a plot of the pressure of a fixed amount of perfect gas
against its volume and thermodynamic temperature as given by eqn 1.8. The surface
depicts the only possible states of a perfect gas: the gas cannot exist in states that do not
correspond to points on the surface. The graphs in Figs. 1.4 and 1.6 correspond to the
sections through the surface (Fig. 1.9).
Example 1.2 Using the perfect gas equation
In an industrial process, nitrogen is heated to 500 K in a vessel of constant volume.
If it enters the vessel at 100 atm and 300 K, what pressure would it exert at the
working temperature if it behaved as a perfect gas?
Method We expect the pressure to be greater on account of the increase in tem-
perature. The perfect gas law in the form PV/nT = R implies that, if the conditions
are changed from one set of values to another, then because PV/nT is equal to a
constant, the two sets of values are related by the ‘combined gas law’:
p1V1 p2V2
=
n1T1 n2T2
n
p
V
Initial Same
100
Same
Final Same
?
Same
2
T
300
500
(1.12)°
The known and unknown data are summarized in (2).
Answer Cancellation of the volumes (because V1 = V2) and amounts (because
n1 = n2) on each side of the combined gas law results in
p1 p2
=
T1 T2
which can be rearranged into
p2 =
T2
× p1
T1
1.2 THE GAS LAWS
Substitution of the data then gives
p2 =
500 K
× (100 atm) = 167 atm
300 K
Experiment shows that the pressure is actually 183 atm under these conditions, so
the assumption that the gas is perfect leads to a 10 per cent error.
Self-test 1.3 What temperature would result in the same sample exerting a pressure
of 300 atm?
[900 K]
The perfect gas equation is of the greatest importance in physical chemistry because
it is used to derive a wide range of relations that are used throughout thermodynamics.
However, it is also of considerable practical utility for calculating the properties of a
gas under a variety of conditions. For instance, the molar volume, Vm = V/n, of a perfect gas under the conditions called standard ambient temperature and pressure
(SATP), which means 298.15 K and 1 bar (that is, exactly 105 Pa), is easily calculated
from Vm = RT/p to be 24.789 dm3 mol−1. An earlier definition, standard temperature
and pressure (STP), was 0°C and 1 atm; at STP, the molar volume of a perfect gas is
22.414 dm3 mol−1. Among other applications, eqn 1.8 can be used to discuss processes
in the atmosphere that give rise to the weather.
IMPACT ON ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
I1.1 The gas laws and the weather
The biggest sample of gas readily accessible to us is the atmosphere, a mixture of gases
with the composition summarized in Table 1.3. The composition is maintained moderately constant by diffusion and convection (winds, particularly the local turbulence
called eddies) but the pressure and temperature vary with altitude and with the local
conditions, particularly in the troposphere (the ‘sphere of change’), the layer extending up to about 11 km.
Table 1.3 The composition of dry air at sea level
Percentage
Component
By volume
By mass
Nitrogen, N2
78.08
75.53
Oxygen, O2
20.95
23.14
Argon, Ar
0.93
1.28
Carbon dioxide, CO2
0.031
0.047
Hydrogen, H2
5.0 × 10 −3
2.0 × 10 −4
Neon, Ne
1.8 × 10 −3
1.3 × 10 −3
5.2 × 10
−4
7.2 × 10 −5
2.0 × 10
−4
1.1 × 10 −4
1.1 × 10
−4
3.2 × 10 −4
Nitric oxide, NO
5.0 × 10 −5
1.7 × 10 −6
Xenon, Xe
8.7 × 10 −6
1.2 × 10 −5
7.0 × 10
−6
1.2 × 10 −5
2.0 × 10
−6
3.3 × 10 −6
Helium, He
Methane, CH4
Krypton, Kr
Ozone, O3: summer
winter
11
12
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
30
In the troposphere the average temperature is 15°C at sea level, falling to –57°C at
the bottom of the tropopause at 11 km. This variation is much less pronounced when
expressed on the Kelvin scale, ranging from 288 K to 216 K, an average of 268 K. If we
suppose that the temperature has its average value all the way up to the tropopause,
then the pressure varies with altitude, h, according to the barometric formula:
Altitude, h/km
20
15
p = p0e−h/H
10
6
0
0
Pressure, p
p0
Fig. 1.10 The variation of atmospheric
pressure with altitude, as predicted by the
barometric formula and as suggested by the
‘US Standard Atmosphere’, which takes
into account the variation of temperature
with altitude.
Exploration How would the graph
shown in the illustration change if
the temperature variation with altitude
were taken into account? Construct a graph
allowing for a linear decrease in
temperature with altitude.
H
H
H
L
H
Fig. 1.11 A typical weather map; in this case,
for the United States on 1 January 2000.
N
Wind
L
Rotation
where p0 is the pressure at sea level and H is a constant approximately equal to 8 km.
More specifically, H = RT/Mg, where M is the average molar mass of air and T is the
temperature. The barometric formula fits the observed pressure distribution quite
well even for regions well above the troposphere (see Fig. 1.10). It implies that the
pressure of the air and its density fall to half their sea-level value at h = H ln 2, or 6 km.
Local variations of pressure, temperature, and composition in the troposphere
are manifest as ‘weather’. A small region of air is termed a parcel. First, we note that a
parcel of warm air is less dense than the same parcel of cool air. As a parcel rises, it
expands adiabatically (that is, without transfer of heat from its surroundings), so it
cools. Cool air can absorb lower concentrations of water vapour than warm air, so the
moisture forms clouds. Cloudy skies can therefore be associated with rising air and
clear skies are often associated with descending air.
The motion of air in the upper altitudes may lead to an accumulation in some
regions and a loss of molecules from other regions. The former result in the formation
of regions of high pressure (‘highs’ or anticyclones) and the latter result in regions of
low pressure (‘lows’, depressions, or cyclones). These regions are shown as H and L on
the accompanying weather map (Fig. 1.11). The lines of constant pressure—differing
by 4 mbar (400 Pa, about 3 Torr)—marked on it are called isobars. The elongated
regions of high and low pressure are known, respectively, as ridges and troughs.
In meteorology, large-scale vertical movement is called convection. Horizontal
pressure differentials result in the flow of air that we call wind (see Fig.1.12). Winds
coming from the north in the Northern hemisphere and from the south in the
Southern hemisphere are deflected towards the west as they migrate from a region
where the Earth is rotating slowly (at the poles) to where it is rotating most rapidly (at
the equator). Winds travel nearly parallel to the isobars, with low pressure to their
left in the Northern hemisphere and to the right in the Southern hemisphere. At the
surface, where wind speeds are lower, the winds tend to travel perpendicular to the
isobars from high to low pressure. This differential motion results in a spiral outward
flow of air clockwise in the Northern hemisphere around a high and an inward counterclockwise flow around a low.
The air lost from regions of high pressure is restored as an influx of air converges
into the region and descends. As we have seen, descending air is associated with clear
skies. It also becomes warmer by compression as it descends, so regions of high pressure are associated with high surface temperatures. In winter, the cold surface air may
prevent the complete fall of air, and result in a temperature inversion, with a layer of
warm air over a layer of cold air. Geographical conditions may also trap cool air, as
in Los Angeles, and the photochemical pollutants we know as smog may be trapped
under the warm layer.
L
(b) Mixtures of gases
S
Fig. 1.12 The flow of air (‘wind’) around
regions of high and low pressure in the
Northern and Southern hemispheres.
When dealing with gaseous mixtures, we often need to know the contribution that
each component makes to the total pressure of the sample. The partial pressure, pJ, of
a gas J in a mixture (any gas, not just a perfect gas), is defined as
pJ = xJ p
[1.13]
1.2 THE GAS LAWS
where xJ is the mole fraction of the component J, the amount of J expressed as a fraction of the total amount of molecules, n, in the sample:
xJ =
nJ
n
n = nA + nB + · · ·
[1.14]
When no J molecules are present, xJ = 0; when only J molecules are present, xJ = 1.
It follows from the definition of xJ that, whatever the composition of the mixture,
xA + xB + · · · = 1 and therefore that the sum of the partial pressures is equal to the total
pressure:
pA + pB + · · · = (xA + xB + · · · )p = p
(1.15)
This relation is true for both real and perfect gases.
When all the gases are perfect, the partial pressure as defined in eqn 1.13 is also
the pressure that each gas would occupy if it occupied the same container alone at
the same temperature. The latter is the original meaning of ‘partial pressure’. That
identification was the basis of the original formulation of Dalton’s law:
The pressure exerted by a mixture of gases is the sum of the pressures that each one
would exist if it occupied the container alone.
Now, however, the relation between partial pressure (as defined in eqn 1.13) and total
pressure (as given by eqn 1.15) is true for all gases and the identification of partial
pressure with the pressure that the gas would exert on its own is valid only for a perfect gas.
Example 1.3 Calculating partial pressures
The mass percentage composition of dry air at sea level is approximately N2: 75.5;
O2: 23.2; Ar: 1.3. What is the partial pressure of each component when the total
pressure is 1.00 atm?
Method We expect species with a high mole fraction to have a proportionally high
partial pressure. Partial pressures are defined by eqn 1.13. To use the equation, we
need the mole fractions of the components. To calculate mole fractions, which are
defined by eqn 1.14, we use the fact that the amount of molecules J of molar mass
MJ in a sample of mass mJ is nJ = mJ/MJ. The mole fractions are independent of the
total mass of the sample, so we can choose the latter to be 100 g (which makes
the conversion from mass percentages very easy). Thus, the mass of N2 present is
75.5 per cent of 100 g, which is 75.5 g.
Answer The amounts of each type of molecule present in 100 g of air, in which the
masses of N2, O2, and Ar are 75.5 g, 23.2 g, and 1.3 g, respectively, are
n(N 2) =
75.5 g
75.5
mol
=
−
1
28.02
28.02 g mol
n(O2) =
23.2 g
23.2
mol
=
32.00 g mol −1 32.00
n(Ar) =
1.3 g
1.3
=
mol
39.95 g mol −1 39.95
These three amounts work out as 2.69 mol, 0.725 mol, and 0.033 mol, respectively,
for a total of 3.45 mol. The mole fractions are obtained by dividing each of the
13
14
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
above amounts by 3.45 mol and the partial pressures are then obtained by multiplying the mole fraction by the total pressure (1.00 atm):
Mole fraction:
Partial pressure/atm:
N2
0.780
0.780
O2
0.210
0.210
Ar
0.0096
0.0096
We have not had to assume that the gases are perfect: partial pressures are defined
as pJ = xJ p for any kind of gas.
Self-test 1.4 When carbon dioxide is taken into account, the mass percentages are
75.52 (N2), 23.15 (O2), 1.28 (Ar), and 0.046 (CO2). What are the partial pressures
when the total pressure is 0.900 atm?
[0.703, 0.189, 0.0084, 0.00027 atm]
Real gases
Real gases do not obey the perfect gas law exactly. Deviations from the law are particularly important at high pressures and low temperatures, especially when a gas is on the
point of condensing to liquid.
0
Repulsions dominant
Potential energy
Contact
1.3 Molecular interactions
Separation
Attractions
dominant
Fig. 1.13 The variation of the potential
energy of two molecules on their
separation. High positive potential energy
(at very small separations) indicates that
the interactions between them are strongly
repulsive at these distances. At
intermediate separations, where the
potential energy is negative, the attractive
interactions dominate. At large separations
(on the right) the potential energy is zero
and there is no interaction between the
molecules.
Real gases show deviations from the perfect gas law because molecules interact with
one another. Repulsive forces between molecules assist expansion and attractive forces
assist compression.
Repulsive forces are significant only when molecules are almost in contact: they are
short-range interactions, even on a scale measured in molecular diameters (Fig. 1.13).
Because they are short-range interactions, repulsions can be expected to be important
only when the average separation of the molecules is small. This is the case at high
pressure, when many molecules occupy a small volume. On the other hand, attractive
intermolecular forces have a relatively long range and are effective over several molecular diameters. They are important when the molecules are fairly close together but not
necessarily touching (at the intermediate separations in Fig. 1.13). Attractive forces
are ineffective when the molecules are far apart (well to the right in Fig. 1.13).
Intermolecular forces are also important when the temperature is so low that the
molecules travel with such low mean speeds that they can be captured by one another.
At low pressures, when the sample occupies a large volume, the molecules are so far
apart for most of the time that the intermolecular forces play no significant role, and
the gas behaves virtually perfectly. At moderate pressures, when the average separation of the molecules is only a few molecular diameters, the attractive forces dominate
the repulsive forces. In this case, the gas can be expected to be more compressible than
a perfect gas because the forces help to draw the molecules together. At high pressures,
when the average separation of the molecules is small, the repulsive forces dominate
and the gas can be expected to be less compressible because now the forces help to
drive the molecules apart.
(a) The compression factor
The compression factor, Z, of a gas is the ratio of its measured molar volume, Vm =
V/n, to the molar volume of a perfect gas, Vmo , at the same pressure and temperature:
1.3 MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS
Z=
Vm
o
Vm
[1.16]
Because the molar volume of a perfect gas is equal to RT/p, an equivalent expression
o
is Z = RT/pV m
, which we can write as
pVm = RTZ
(1.17)
Because for a perfect gas Z = 1 under all conditions, deviation of Z from 1 is a measure
of departure from perfect behaviour.
Some experimental values of Z are plotted in Fig. 1.14. At very low pressures, all
the gases shown have Z ≈ 1 and behave nearly perfectly. At high pressures, all the
gases have Z > 1, signifying that they have a larger molar volume than a perfect gas.
Repulsive forces are now dominant. At intermediate pressures, most gases have Z < 1,
indicating that the attractive forces are reducing the molar volume relative to that of a
perfect gas.
(b) Virial coefficients
Figure 1.15 shows the experimental isotherms for carbon dioxide. At large molar
volumes and high temperatures the real-gas isotherms do not differ greatly from
perfect-gas isotherms. The small differences suggest that the perfect gas law is in fact
the first term in an expression of the form
pVm = RT(1 + B′p + C′p2 + · · · )
(1.18)
This expression is an example of a common procedure in physical chemistry, in which
a simple law that is known to be a good first approximation (in this case pV = nRT) is
2
140
120
80
p/atm
Compression factor, Z
40°C
Perfect
F
31.04°C (Tc)
*
60
CH4
20°C
E D C
B
1.00 H2
C2H4
NH3
0
0
100
H2
1
50°C
0.98
0.96
200
40
p/atm 10
CH4
NH3
400
600
p /atm
A
0°C
20
C2H4
0
800
Fig. 1.14 The variation of the compression
factor, Z, with pressure for several gases at
0°C. A perfect gas has Z = 1 at all pressures.
Notice that, although the curves approach
1 as p → 0, they do so with different slopes.
0
0.2
0.4
Vm /(dm3 mol -1)
0.6
Fig. 1.15 Experimental isotherms of carbon
dioxide at several temperatures. The
‘critical isotherm’, the isotherm at the
critical temperature, is at 31.04°C. The
critical point is marked with a star.
15
16
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
treated as the first term in a series in powers of a variable (in this case p). A more convenient expansion for many applications is
Comment 1.4
Series expansions are discussed in
Appendix 2.
⎛
⎞
B
C
pVm = RT ⎜1 +
+ 2 + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅⎟
Vm V m
⎝
⎠
Synoptic Table 1.4* Second virial
coefficients, B/(cm3 mol−1)
Temperature
273 K
600 K
−21.7
11.9
−149.7
−12.4
N2
−10.5
21.7
Xe
−153.7
−19.6
Ar
CO2
(1.19)
These two expressions are two versions of the virial equation of state.4 By comparing
the expression with eqn 1.17 we see that the term in parentheses can be identified with
the compression factor, Z.
The coefficients B, C, . . . , which depend on the temperature, are the second, third,
. . . virial coefficients (Table 1.4); the first virial coefficient is 1. The third virial
coefficient, C, is usually less important than the second coefficient, B, in the sense that
2
at typical molar volumes C/V m
<< B/Vm.
We can use the virial equation to demonstrate the important point that, although
the equation of state of a real gas may coincide with the perfect gas law as p → 0, not
all its properties necessarily coincide with those of a perfect gas in that limit. Consider,
for example, the value of dZ/dp, the slope of the graph of compression factor against
pressure. For a perfect gas dZ/dp = 0 (because Z = 1 at all pressures), but for a real gas
from eqn 1.18 we obtain
dZ
= B′ + 2pC′ + · · · → B′
dp
* More values are given in the Data section.
as
p→0
(1.20a)
However, B′ is not necessarily zero, so the slope of Z with respect to p does not necessarily approach 0 (the perfect gas value), as we can see in Fig. 1.14. Because several
physical properties of gases depend on derivatives, the properties of real gases do not
always coincide with the perfect gas values at low pressures. By a similar argument,
Compression factor, Z
dZ
→ B as Vm → ∞,
d(1/Vm )
Higher
temperature
Boyle
temperature
1
corresponding to p → 0
(1.20b)
Because the virial coefficients depend on the temperature, there may be a temperature at which Z → 1 with zero slope at low pressure or high molar volume (Fig. 1.16).
At this temperature, which is called the Boyle temperature, TB, the properties of the
real gas do coincide with those of a perfect gas as p → 0. According to eqn 1.20b, Z has
zero slope as p → 0 if B = 0, so we can conclude that B = 0 at the Boyle temperature.
It then follows from eqn 1.19 that pVm ≈ RTB over a more extended range of pressures than at other temperatures because the first term after 1 (that is, B/Vm) in the
2
virial equation is zero and C/V m
and higher terms are negligibly small. For helium
TB = 22.64 K; for air TB = 346.8 K; more values are given in Table 1.5.
Perfect
gas
Lower
temperature
0
Synoptic Table 1.5* Critical constants of gases
Pressure, p
The compression factor, Z,
approaches 1 at low pressures, but does so
with different slopes. For a perfect gas, the
slope is zero, but real gases may have either
positive or negative slopes, and the slope
may vary with temperature. At the Boyle
temperature, the slope is zero and the gas
behaves perfectly over a wider range of
conditions than at other temperatures.
Fig. 1.16
pc /atm
Vc /(cm3 mol−1)
Tc /K
Zc
TB /K
Ar
48.0
75.3
150.7
0.292
411.5
CO2
72.9
714.8
94.0
304.2
0.274
He
2.26
57.8
5.2
0.305
O2
50.14
78.0
154.8
0.308
22.64
405.9
* More values are given in the Data section.
4
The name comes from the Latin word for force. The coefficients are sometimes denoted B2, B3, . . . .
1.4 THE VAN DER WAALS EQUATION
(c) Condensation
Now consider what happens when we compress a sample of gas initially in the state
marked A in Fig. 1.15 at constant temperature (by pushing in a piston). Near A, the
pressure of the gas rises in approximate agreement with Boyle’s law. Serious deviations from that law begin to appear when the volume has been reduced to B.
At C (which corresponds to about 60 atm for carbon dioxide), all similarity to perfect behaviour is lost, for suddenly the piston slides in without any further rise in pressure: this stage is represented by the horizontal line CDE. Examination of the contents
of the vessel shows that just to the left of C a liquid appears, and there are two phases
separated by a sharply defined surface. As the volume is decreased from C through
D to E, the amount of liquid increases. There is no additional resistance to the piston
because the gas can respond by condensing. The pressure corresponding to the line
CDE, when both liquid and vapour are present in equilibrium, is called the vapour
pressure of the liquid at the temperature of the experiment.
At E, the sample is entirely liquid and the piston rests on its surface. Any further
reduction of volume requires the exertion of considerable pressure, as is indicated
by the sharply rising line to the left of E. Even a small reduction of volume from E to F
requires a great increase in pressure.
(d) Critical constants
The isotherm at the temperature Tc (304.19 K, or 31.04°C for CO2) plays a special role
in the theory of the states of matter. An isotherm slightly below Tc behaves as we have
already described: at a certain pressure, a liquid condenses from the gas and is distinguishable from it by the presence of a visible surface. If, however, the compression
takes place at Tc itself, then a surface separating two phases does not appear and the
volumes at each end of the horizontal part of the isotherm have merged to a single
point, the critical point of the gas. The temperature, pressure, and molar volume
at the critical point are called the critical temperature, Tc, critical pressure, pc, and
critical molar volume, Vc, of the substance. Collectively, pc, Vc, and Tc are the critical
constants of a substance (Table 1.5).
At and above Tc, the sample has a single phase that occupies the entire volume
of the container. Such a phase is, by definition, a gas. Hence, the liquid phase of a
substance does not form above the critical temperature. The critical temperature of
oxygen, for instance, signifies that it is impossible to produce liquid oxygen by compression alone if its temperature is greater than 155 K: to liquefy oxygen—to obtain a
fluid phase that does not occupy the entire volume—the temperature must first be
lowered to below 155 K, and then the gas compressed isothermally. The single phase
that fills the entire volume when T > Tc may be much denser than we normally consider typical of gases, and the name supercritical fluid is preferred.
1.4 The van der Waals equation
We can draw conclusions from the virial equations of state only by inserting specific
values of the coefficients. It is often useful to have a broader, if less precise, view of all
gases. Therefore, we introduce the approximate equation of state suggested by J.D.
van der Waals in 1873. This equation is an excellent example of an expression that can
be obtained by thinking scientifically about a mathematically complicated but physically simple problem, that is, it is a good example of ‘model building’.
The van der Waals equation is
p=
⎛ n⎞
nRT
− a⎜ ⎟
V − nb
⎝V ⎠
2
(1.21a)
Comment 1.5
The web site contains links to online
databases of properties of gases.
17
18
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
Synoptic Table 1.6* van der Waals
coefficients
a/(atm dm6 mol−2)
b/(10−2 dm3 mol−1)
Ar
1.337
3.20
CO2
3.610
4.29
He
0.0341
2.38
Xe
4.137
5.16
* More values are given in the Data section.
and a derivation is given in Justification 1.1. The equation is often written in terms of
the molar volume Vm = V/n as
p=
RT
a
− 2
Vm − b V m
(1.21b)
The constants a and b are called the van der Waals coefficients. They are characteristic of each gas but independent of the temperature (Table 1.6).
Justification 1.1 The van der Waals equation of state
The repulsive interactions between molecules are taken into account by supposing
that they cause the molecules to behave as small but impenetrable spheres. The nonzero volume of the molecules implies that instead of moving in a volume V they are
restricted to a smaller volume V − nb, where nb is approximately the total volume
taken up by the molecules themselves. This argument suggests that the perfect gas
law p = nRT/V should be replaced by
p=
nRT
V − nb
when repulsions are significant. The closest distance of two hard-sphere molecules
of radius r, and volume Vmolecule = 34 πr 3, is 2r, so the volume excluded is 34 π(2r)3, or
8Vmolecule. The volume excluded per molecule is one-half this volume, or 4Vmolecule,
so b ≈ 4VmoleculeNA.
The pressure depends on both the frequency of collisions with the walls and
the force of each collision. Both the frequency of the collisions and their force
are reduced by the attractive forces, which act with a strength proportional to the
molar concentration, n/V, of molecules in the sample. Therefore, because both
the frequency and the force of the collisions are reduced by the attractive forces,
the pressure is reduced in proportion to the square of this concentration. If the
reduction of pressure is written as −a(n/V)2, where a is a positive constant characteristic of each gas, the combined effect of the repulsive and attractive forces is the
van der Waals equation of state as expressed in eqn 1.21.
In this Justification we have built the van der Waals equation using vague arguments about the volumes of molecules and the effects of forces. The equation can be
derived in other ways, but the present method has the advantage that it shows how
to derive the form of an equation out of general ideas. The derivation also has the
advantage of keeping imprecise the significance of the coefficients a and b: they are
much better regarded as empirical parameters than as precisely defined molecular
properties.
Example 1.4 Using the van der Waals equation to estimate a molar volume
Estimate the molar volume of CO2 at 500 K and 100 atm by treating it as a van der
Waals gas.
Method To express eqn 1.21b as an equation for the molar volume, we multiply
2
both sides by (Vm – b)V m
, to obtain
2
2
(Vm – b)V m
p = RTV m
– (Vm – b)a
and, after division by p, collect powers of Vm to obtain
⎛
RT ⎞ 2 ⎛ a ⎞
ab
V m3 − ⎜ b +
V m + ⎜ ⎟ Vm −
=0
⎟
p ⎠
p
⎝
⎝ p⎠
1.4 THE VAN DER WAALS EQUATION
19
Although closed expressions for the roots of a cubic equation can be given, they
are very complicated. Unless analytical solutions are essential, it is usually more
expedient to solve such equations with commercial software.
Answer According to Table 1.6, a = 3.592 dm6 atm mol−2 and b = 4.267 × 10−2
dm3 mol−1. Under the stated conditions, RT/p = 0.410 dm3 mol−1. The coefficients
in the equation for Vm are therefore
b + RT/p = 0.453 dm3 mol−1
a/p = 3.61 × 10−2 (dm3 mol−1)2
ab/p = 1.55 × 10−3 (dm3 mol−1)3
Therefore, on writing x = Vm/(dm3 mol−1), the equation to solve is
x 3 − 0.453x 2 + (3.61 × 10−2)x − (1.55 × 10−3) = 0
The acceptable root is x = 0.366, which implies that Vm = 0.366 dm3 mol−1. For a
perfect gas under these conditions, the molar volume is 0.410 dm3 mol−1.
Self-test 1.5 Calculate the molar volume of argon at 100°C and 100 atm on the
[0.298 dm3 mol−1]
assumption that it is a van der Waals gas.
(a) The reliability of the equation
We now examine to what extent the van der Waals equation predicts the behaviour
of real gases. It is too optimistic to expect a single, simple expression to be the true
equation of state of all substances, and accurate work on gases must resort to the virial
equation, use tabulated values of the coefficients at various temperatures, and analyse
the systems numerically. The advantage of the van der Waals equation, however, is
that it is analytical (that is, expressed symbolically) and allows us to draw some general conclusions about real gases. When the equation fails we must use one of the
other equations of state that have been proposed (some are listed in Table 1.7), invent
a new one, or go back to the virial equation.
That having been said, we can begin to judge the reliability of the equation by comparing the isotherms it predicts with the experimental isotherms in Fig. 1.15. Some
Table 1.7 Selected equations of state
Critical constants
Equation
Reduced form*
pc
Vc
Tc
3b
8a
27bR
3b
2 ⎛ 2a ⎞
⎜
⎟
3 ⎝ 3bR ⎠
2b
a
4bR
Perfect gas
p=
RT
Vm
van der Waals
p=
RT
a
− 2
Vm − b V m
p=
8Tr
3
−
3Vr − 1 V 2r
a
27b2
Berthelot
p=
RT
a
−
2
Vm − b TV m
p=
8Tr
3
−
3Vr − 1 TrV 2r
1 ⎛ 2aR ⎞
⎜
⎟
12 ⎝ 3b3 ⎠
Dieterici
p=
RTe−a/RTVm
Vm − b
p=
e2Tre−2/TrVr
2Vr − 1
a
4e2b2
Virial
p=
⎫
RT ⎧
B(T ) C(T )
+ 2 + ⋅ ⋅ ⋅⎬
⎨1 +
Vm ⎩⎪
Vm
Vm
⎭⎪
* Reduced variables are defined in Section 1.5.
1/2
1/2
20
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
1.5
1.5
Reduced pressure, p/pc
Pressure
1.5
1.0
Te
m
pe
ra
tu
re
0.8
Volum
e
1
1.0
0.5
0.8
The surface of possible states
allowed by the van der Waals equation.
Compare this surface with that shown in
Fig. 1.8.
Fig. 1.17
0
0.1
1
Reduced volume, V/Vc
10
Van der Waals isotherms at several values of T/Tc. Compare these curves with those
in Fig. 1.15. The van der Waals loops are normally replaced by horizontal straight lines. The
critical isotherm is the isotherm for T/Tc = 1.
Fig. 1.18
Exploration Calculate the molar volume of chlorine gas on the basis of the van der Waals
equation of state at 250 K and 150 kPa and calculate the percentage difference from the
value predicted by the perfect gas equation.
Equal
areas
3
calculated isotherms are shown in Figs. 1.17 and 1.18. Apart from the oscillations
below the critical temperature, they do resemble experimental isotherms quite well.
The oscillations, the van der Waals loops, are unrealistic because they suggest that
under some conditions an increase of pressure results in an increase of volume.
Therefore they are replaced by horizontal lines drawn so the loops define equal areas
above and below the lines: this procedure is called the Maxwell construction (3). The
van der Waals coefficients, such as those in Table 1.7, are found by fitting the calculated curves to the experimental curves.
(b) The features of the equation
The principal features of the van der Waals equation can be summarized as follows.
(1) Perfect gas isotherms are obtained at high temperatures and large molar
volumes.
When the temperature is high, RT may be so large that the first term in eqn 1.21b
greatly exceeds the second. Furthermore, if the molar volume is large in the sense
Vm >> b, then the denominator Vm − b ≈ Vm. Under these conditions, the equation
reduces to p = RT/Vm, the perfect gas equation.
(2) Liquids and gases coexist when cohesive and dispersing effects are in balance.
The van der Waals loops occur when both terms in eqn 1.21b have similar magnitudes.
The first term arises from the kinetic energy of the molecules and their repulsive
interactions; the second represents the effect of the attractive interactions.
(3) The critical constants are related to the van der Waals coefficients.
1.5 THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDING STATES
For T < Tc, the calculated isotherms oscillate, and each one passes through a minimum followed by a maximum. These extrema converge as T → Tc and coincide at
T = Tc; at the critical point the curve has a flat inflexion (4). From the properties of
curves, we know that an inflexion of this type occurs when both the first and second
derivatives are zero. Hence, we can find the critical constants by calculating these
derivatives and setting them equal to zero:
dp
RT
2a
=−
+ 3 =0
dVm
(Vm − b)2 V m
d2 p
2RT
6a
=
− 4 =0
2
3
dV m (Vm − b)
Vm
at the critical point. The solutions of these two equations (and using eqn 1.21b to
calculate pc from Vc and Tc) are
Vc = 3b
pc =
a
27b2
Tc =
8a
27 Rb
(1.22)
These relations provide an alternative route to the determination of a and b from the
values of the critical constants. They can be tested by noting that the critical compression factor, Zc, is predicted to be equal to
Zc =
pcVc 3
=
RTc
8
(1.23)
for all gases. We see from Table 1.5 that, although Zc < 38 = 0.375, it is approximately
constant (at 0.3) and the discrepancy is reasonably small.
1.5 The principle of corresponding states
An important general technique in science for comparing the properties of objects is
to choose a related fundamental property of the same kind and to set up a relative
scale on that basis. We have seen that the critical constants are characteristic properties of gases, so it may be that a scale can be set up by using them as yardsticks. We
therefore introduce the dimensionless reduced variables of a gas by dividing the
actual variable by the corresponding critical constant:
pr =
p
pc
Vr =
Vm
Vc
Tr =
T
Tc
[1.24]
If the reduced pressure of a gas is given, we can easily calculate its actual pressure by
using p = pr pc, and likewise for the volume and temperature. Van der Waals, who first
tried this procedure, hoped that gases confined to the same reduced volume, Vr, at the
same reduced temperature, Tr, would exert the same reduced pressure, pr. The hope
was largely fulfilled (Fig. 1.19). The illustration shows the dependence of the compression factor on the reduced pressure for a variety of gases at various reduced temperatures. The success of the procedure is strikingly clear: compare this graph with
Fig. 1.14, where similar data are plotted without using reduced variables. The observation that real gases at the same reduced volume and reduced temperature exert the
same reduced pressure is called the principle of corresponding states. The principle
is only an approximation. It works best for gases composed of spherical molecules;
it fails, sometimes badly, when the molecules are non-spherical or polar.
The van der Waals equation sheds some light on the principle. First, we express
eqn 1.21b in terms of the reduced variables, which gives
pr pc =
RTrTc
a
−
VrVc − b V 2rV c2
4
21
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
1.0
2.0
0.8
Compression factor, Z
22
1.2
0.6
1.0
0.4
Nitrogen
Methane
Propane
0.2
Ethene
0
0
1
2
3
4
Reduced pressure, pr
5
6
7
Fig. 1.19 The compression factors of four of the gases shown in Fig. 1.14 plotted using reduced
variables. The curves are labelled with the reduced temperature Tr = T/Tc. The use of reduced
variables organizes the data on to single curves.
Exploration Is there a set of conditions at which the compression factor of a van der
Waals gas passes through a minimum? If so, how does the location and value of the
minimum value of Z depend on the coefficients a and b?
Then we express the critical constants in terms of a and b by using eqn 1.22:
apr
8aTr
a
=
− 2 2
2
27b(3bVr − b) 9b V r
27b
which can be reorganized into
pr =
8Tr
3
− 2
3Vr − 1 V r
(1.25)
This equation has the same form as the original, but the coefficients a and b, which
differ from gas to gas, have disappeared. It follows that if the isotherms are plotted in
terms of the reduced variables (as we did in fact in Fig. 1.18 without drawing attention
to the fact), then the same curves are obtained whatever the gas. This is precisely the
content of the principle of corresponding states, so the van der Waals equation is
compatible with it.
Looking for too much significance in this apparent triumph is mistaken, because
other equations of state also accommodate the principle (Table 1.7). In fact, all we
need are two parameters playing the roles of a and b, for then the equation can always
be manipulated into reduced form. The observation that real gases obey the principle
approximately amounts to saying that the effects of the attractive and repulsive interactions can each be approximated in terms of a single parameter. The importance of
the principle is then not so much its theoretical interpretation but the way that it
enables the properties of a range of gases to be coordinated on to a single diagram (for
example, Fig. 1.19 instead of Fig. 1.14).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
23
Checklist of key ideas
1. A gas is a form of matter that fills any container it occupies.
2. An equation of state interrelates pressure, volume,
temperature, and amount of substance: p = f(T,V,n).
3. The pressure is the force divided by the area to which the force
is applied. The standard pressure is p7 = 1 bar (105 Pa).
4. Mechanical equilibrium is the condition of equality of
pressure on either side of a movable wall.
5. Temperature is the property that indicates the direction of the
flow of energy through a thermally conducting, rigid wall.
6. A diathermic boundary is a boundary that permits the passage
of energy as heat. An adiabatic boundary is a boundary that
prevents the passage of energy as heat.
7. Thermal equilibrium is a condition in which no change of
state occurs when two objects A and B are in contact through
a diathermic boundary.
8. The Zeroth Law of thermodynamics states that, if A is in
thermal equilibrium with B, and B is in thermal equilibrium
with C, then C is also in thermal equilibrium with A.
9. The Celsius and thermodynamic temperature scales are
related by T/K = θ/°C + 273.15.
10. A perfect gas obeys the perfect gas equation, pV = nRT, exactly
under all conditions.
11. Dalton’s law states that the pressure exerted by a mixture of
gases is the sum of the partial pressures of the gases.
12. The partial pressure of any gas is defined as pJ = xJ p, where
xJ = nJ/n is its mole fraction in a mixture and p is the total
pressure.
13. In real gases, molecular interactions affect the equation of
state; the true equation of state is expressed in terms of virial
2
coefficients B, C, . . . : pVm = RT(1 + B/Vm + C/V m
+ · · · ).
14. The vapour pressure is the pressure of a vapour in equilibrium
with its condensed phase.
15. The critical point is the point at which the volumes at each
end of the horizontal part of the isotherm have merged to
a single point. The critical constants pc, Vc, and Tc are the
pressure, molar volume, and temperature, respectively, at the
critical point.
16. A supercritical fluid is a dense fluid phase above its critical
temperature and pressure.
17. The van der Waals equation of state is an approximation to
the true equation of state in which attractions are represented
by a parameter a and repulsions are represented by a
parameter b: p = nRT/(V − nb) − a(n/V)2.
18. A reduced variable is the actual variable divided by the
corresponding critical constant.
19. According to the principle of corresponding states, real gases
at the same reduced volume and reduced temperature exert
the same reduced pressure.
Further reading
Articles and texts
J.L. Pauley and E.H. Davis, P-V-T isotherms of real gases:
Experimental versus calculated values. J. Chem. Educ. 63, 466
(1986).
M. Ross, Equations of state. In Encyclopedia of applied physics
(ed. G.L. Trigg), 6, 291. VCH, New York (1993).
A. J. Walton, Three phases of matter. Oxford University Press
(1983).
R.P. Wayne, Chemistry of atmospheres, an introduction to the
chemistry of atmospheres of earth, the planets, and their satellites.
Oxford University Press (2000).
Sources of data and information
J.H. Dymond and E.B. Smith, The virial coefficients of pure gases and
mixtures. Oxford University Press (1980).
A.D. McNaught and A. Wilkinson, Compendium of chemical
terminology. Blackwell Scientific, Oxford (1997).
Discussion questions
1.1 Explain how the perfect gas equation of state arises by combination of
Boyle’s law, Charles’s law, and Avogadro’s principle.
1.2 Explain the term ‘partial pressure’ and explain why Dalton’s law is a
limiting law.
1.3 Explain how the compression factor varies with pressure and temperature
and describe how it reveals information about intermolecular interactions in
real gases.
1.4 What is the significance of the critical constants?
1.5 Describe the formulation of the van der Waals equation and suggest a
rationale for one other equation of state in Table 1.7.
1.6 Explain how the van der Waals equation accounts for critical
behaviour.
24
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
Exercises
1.1(a) (a) Could 131 g of xenon gas in a vessel of volume 1.0 dm3 exert a
pressure of 20 atm at 25°C if it behaved as a perfect gas? If not, what pressure
would it exert? (b) What pressure would it exert if it behaved as a van der
Waals gas?
1.7(b) The following data have been obtained for oxygen gas at 273.15 K.
1.1(b) (a) Could 25 g of argon gas in a vessel of volume 1.5 dm3 exert a
Vm /(dm3 mol−1)
29.9649
ρ/(g dm−3)
1.07144
pressure of 2.0 bar at 30°C if it behaved as a perfect gas? If not, what pressure
would it exert? (b) What pressure would it exert if it behaved as a van der
Waals gas?
1.2(a) A perfect gas undergoes isothermal compression, which reduces its
volume by 2.20 dm3. The final pressure and volume of the gas are 5.04 bar
and 4.65 dm3, respectively. Calculate the original pressure of the gas in (a) bar,
(b) atm.
Calculate the best value of the gas constant R from them and the best value of
the molar mass of O2.
p/atm
0.750 000
0.500 000
44.8090
0.714110
0.250 000
89.6384
0.356975
1.8(a) At 500°C and 93.2 kPa, the mass density of sulfur vapour is
3.710 kg m−3. What is the molecular formula of sulfur under these conditions?
1.8(b) At 100°C and 1.60 kPa, the mass density of phosphorus vapour is
0.6388 kg m−3. What is the molecular formula of phosphorus under these
conditions?
1.2(b) A perfect gas undergoes isothermal compression, which reduces its
1.9(a) Calculate the mass of water vapour present in a room of volume 400 m3
volume by 1.80 dm3. The final pressure and volume of the gas are 1.97 bar and
2.14 dm3, respectively. Calculate the original pressure of the gas in (a) bar,
(b) Torr.
1.9(b) Calculate the mass of water vapour present in a room of volume 250 m3
−2
1.3(a) A car tyre (i.e. an automobile tire) was inflated to a pressure of 24 lb in
(1.00 atm = 14.7 lb in−2) on a winter’s day when the temperature was –5°C.
What pressure will be found, assuming no leaks have occurred and that the
volume is constant, on a subsequent summer’s day when the temperature is
35°C? What complications should be taken into account in practice?
1.3(b) A sample of hydrogen gas was found to have a pressure of 125 kPa
when the temperature was 23°C. What can its pressure be expected to be when
the temperature is 11°C?
that contains air at 27°C on a day when the relative humidity is 60 per cent.
that contains air at 23°C on a day when the relative humidity is 53 per cent.
1.10(a) Given that the density of air at 0.987 bar and 27°C is 1.146 kg m−3,
calculate the mole fraction and partial pressure of nitrogen and oxygen
assuming that (a) air consists only of these two gases, (b) air also contains
1.0 mole per cent Ar.
1.10(b) A gas mixture consists of 320 mg of methane, 175 mg of argon, and
225 mg of neon. The partial pressure of neon at 300 K is 8.87 kPa. Calculate
(a) the volume and (b) the total pressure of the mixture.
1.11(a) The density of a gaseous compound was found to be 1.23 kg m−3 at
1.4(a) A sample of 255 mg of neon occupies 3.00 dm at 122 K. Use the perfect
330 K and 20 kPa. What is the molar mass of the compound?
gas law to calculate the pressure of the gas.
1.11(b) In an experiment to measure the molar mass of a gas, 250 cm3 of the
1.4(b) A homeowner uses 4.00 × 103 m3 of natural gas in a year to heat a
gas was confined in a glass vessel. The pressure was 152 Torr at 298 K and,
after correcting for buoyancy effects, the mass of the gas was 33.5 mg. What is
the molar mass of the gas?
3
home. Assume that natural gas is all methane, CH4, and that methane is a
perfect gas for the conditions of this problem, which are 1.00 atm and 20°C.
What is the mass of gas used?
1.5(a) A diving bell has an air space of 3.0 m3 when on the deck of a boat.
What is the volume of the air space when the bell has been lowered to a depth
of 50 m? Take the mean density of sea water to be 1.025 g cm−3 and assume
that the temperature is the same as on the surface.
1.5(b) What pressure difference must be generated across the length of a
15 cm vertical drinking straw in order to drink a water-like liquid of density
1.0 g cm−3?
1.6(a) A manometer consists of a U-shaped tube containing a liquid. One side
is connected to the apparatus and the other is open to the atmosphere. The
pressure inside the apparatus is then determined from the difference in
heights of the liquid. Suppose the liquid is water, the external pressure is
770 Torr, and the open side is 10.0 cm lower than the side connected to the
apparatus. What is the pressure in the apparatus? (The density of water at
25°C is 0.997 07 g cm−3.)
1.6(b) A manometer like that described in Exercise 1.6a contained mercury in
place of water. Suppose the external pressure is 760 Torr, and the open side is
10.0 cm higher than the side connected to the apparatus. What is the pressure
in the apparatus? (The density of mercury at 25°C is 13.55 g cm−3.)
1.7(a) In an attempt to determine an accurate value of the gas constant, R, a
3
student heated a container of volume 20.000 dm filled with 0.251 32 g of
helium gas to 500°C and measured the pressure as 206.402 cm of water in a
manometer at 25°C. Calculate the value of R from these data. (The density of
water at 25°C is 0.997 07 g cm−3; the construction of a manometer is described
in Exercise 1.6a.)
1.12(a) The densities of air at −85°C, 0°C, and 100°C are 1.877 g dm−3,
1.294 g dm−3, and 0.946 g dm−3, respectively. From these data, and assuming
that air obeys Charles’s law, determine a value for the absolute zero of
temperature in degrees Celsius.
1.12(b) A certain sample of a gas has a volume of 20.00 dm3 at 0°C and
1.000 atm. A plot of the experimental data of its volume against the Celsius
temperature, θ, at constant p, gives a straight line of slope 0.0741 dm3 (°C)−1.
From these data alone (without making use of the perfect gas law), determine
the absolute zero of temperature in degrees Celsius.
1.13(a) Calculate the pressure exerted by 1.0 mol C2H6 behaving as (a) a
perfect gas, (b) a van der Waals gas when it is confined under the following
conditions: (i) at 273.15 K in 22.414 dm3, (ii) at 1000 K in 100 cm3. Use the
data in Table 1.6.
1.13(b) Calculate the pressure exerted by 1.0 mol H2S behaving as (a) a
perfect gas, (b) a van der Waals gas when it is confined under the following
conditions: (i) at 273.15 K in 22.414 dm3, (ii) at 500 K in 150 cm3. Use the data
in Table 1.6.
1.14(a) Express the van der Waals parameters a = 0.751 atm dm6 mol−2 and
b = 0.0226 dm3 mol−1 in SI base units.
1.14(b) Express the van der Waals parameters a = 1.32 atm dm6 mol−2 and
b = 0.0436 dm3 mol−1 in SI base units.
1.15(a) A gas at 250 K and 15 atm has a molar volume 12 per cent smaller
than that calculated from the perfect gas law. Calculate (a) the compression
factor under these conditions and (b) the molar volume of the gas. Which are
dominating in the sample, the attractive or the repulsive forces?
PROBLEMS
25
1.15(b) A gas at 350 K and 12 atm has a molar volume 12 per cent larger than
that calculated from the perfect gas law. Calculate (a) the compression factor
under these conditions and (b) the molar volume of the gas. Which are
dominating in the sample, the attractive or the repulsive forces?
1.19(a) The critical constants of methane are pc = 45.6 atm,
Vc = 98.7 cm3 mol−1, and Tc = 190.6 K. Calculate the van der Waals parameters
of the gas and estimate the radius of the molecules.
1.16(a) In an industrial process, nitrogen is heated to 500 K at a constant
and Tc = 305.4 K. Calculate the van der Waals parameters of the gas and
estimate the radius of the molecules.
volume of 1.000 m3. The gas enters the container at 300 K and 100 atm.
The mass of the gas is 92.4 kg. Use the van der Waals equation to determine
the approximate pressure of the gas at its working temperature of 500 K.
For nitrogen, a = 1.352 dm6 atm mol−2, b = 0.0387 dm3 mol−1.
1.16(b) Cylinders of compressed gas are typically filled to a pressure of
200 bar. For oxygen, what would be the molar volume at this pressure and
25°C based on (a) the perfect gas equation, (b) the van der Waals equation.
For oxygen, a = 1.364 dm6 atm mol−2, b = 3.19 × 10−2 dm3 mol−1.
1.17(a) Suppose that 10.0 mol C2H6(g) is confined to 4.860 dm3 at 27°C.
Predict the pressure exerted by the ethane from (a) the perfect gas and
(b) the van der Waals equations of state. Calculate the compression factor
based on these calculations. For ethane, a = 5.507 dm6 atm mol−2,
b = 0.0651 dm3 mol−1.
1.17(b) At 300 K and 20 atm, the compression factor of a gas is 0.86. Calculate
(a) the volume occupied by 8.2 mmol of the gas under these conditions and
(b) an approximate value of the second virial coefficient B at 300 K.
1.18(a) A vessel of volume 22.4 dm3 contains 2.0 mol H2 and 1.0 mol N2 at
273.15 K. Calculate (a) the mole fractions of each component, (b) their partial
pressures, and (c) their total pressure.
1.18(b) A vessel of volume 22.4 dm3 contains 1.5 mol H2 and 2.5 mol N2 at
273.15 K. Calculate (a) the mole fractions of each component, (b) their partial
pressures, and (c) their total pressure.
1.19(b) The critical constants of ethane are pc = 48.20 atm, Vc = 148 cm3 mol−1,
1.20(a) Use the van der Waals parameters for chlorine to calculate
approximate values of (a) the Boyle temperature of chlorine and (b) the radius
of a Cl2 molecule regarded as a sphere.
1.20(b) Use the van der Waals parameters for hydrogen sulfide to calculate
approximate values of (a) the Boyle temperature of the gas and (b) the
radius of a H2S molecule regarded as a sphere (a = 4.484 dm6 atm mol−2,
b = 0.0434 dm3 mol−1).
1.21(a) Suggest the pressure and temperature at which 1.0 mol of (a) NH3,
(b) Xe, (c) He will be in states that correspond to 1.0 mol H2 at 1.0 atm and 25°C.
1.21(b) Suggest the pressure and temperature at which 1.0 mol of (a) H2S,
(b) CO2, (c) Ar will be in states that correspond to 1.0 mol N2 at 1.0 atm and
25°C.
1.22(a) A certain gas obeys the van der Waals equation with a = 0.50 m6 Pa mol−2.
Its volume is found to be 5.00 × 10−4 m3 mol−1 at 273 K and 3.0 MPa. From
this information calculate the van der Waals constant b. What is the
compression factor for this gas at the prevailing temperature and pressure?
1.22(b) A certain gas obeys the van der Waals equation with a = 0.76 m6 Pa mol−2.
Its volume is found to be 4.00 × 10−4 m3 mol−1 at 288 K and 4.0 MPa. From
this information calculate the van der Waals constant b. What is the
compression factor for this gas at the prevailing temperature and pressure?
Problems*
Numerical problems
1.4 The molar mass of a newly synthesized fluorocarbon was measured in a
1.1 Recent communication with the inhabitants of Neptune have revealed
that they have a Celsius-type temperature scale, but based on the melting
point (0°N) and boiling point (100°N) of their most common substance,
hydrogen. Further communications have revealed that the Neptunians know
about perfect gas behaviour and they find that, in the limit of zero pressure,
the value of pV is 28 dm3 atm at 0°N and 40 dm3 atm at 100°N. What is the
value of the absolute zero of temperature on their temperature scale?
1.2 Deduce the relation between the pressure and mass density, ρ, of a perfect
gas of molar mass M. Confirm graphically, using the following data on
dimethyl ether at 25°C, that perfect behaviour is reached at low pressures and
find the molar mass of the gas.
p/kPa
12.223
25.20
36.97
60.37
85.23
101.3
ρ/(kg m−3)
0.225
0.456
0.664
1.062
1.468
1.734
1.3 Charles’s law is sometimes expressed in the form V = V0(1 + αθ), where θ
is the Celsius temperature, α is a constant, and V0 is the volume of the sample
at 0°C. The following values for α have been reported for nitrogen at 0°C:
p/Torr
749.7
599.6
333.1
98.6
103α /(°C)−1
3.6717
3.6697
3.6665
3.6643
For these data calculate the best value for the absolute zero of temperature on
the Celsius scale.
gas microbalance. This device consists of a glass bulb forming one end of a
beam, the whole surrounded by a closed container. The beam is pivoted, and
the balance point is attained by raising the pressure of gas in the container, so
increasing the buoyancy of the enclosed bulb. In one experiment, the balance
point was reached when the fluorocarbon pressure was 327.10 Torr; for the
same setting of the pivot, a balance was reached when CHF3 (M = 70.014 g mol−1)
was introduced at 423.22 Torr. A repeat of the experiment with a different
setting of the pivot required a pressure of 293.22 Torr of the fluorocarbon and
427.22 Torr of the CHF3. What is the molar mass of the fluorocarbon? Suggest
a molecular formula.
1.5 A constant-volume perfect gas thermometer indicates a pressure of 6.69
kPa at the triple point temperature of water (273.16 K). (a) What change of
pressure indicates a change of 1.00 K at this temperature? (b) What pressure
indicates a temperature of 100.00°C? (c) What change of pressure indicates a
change of 1.00 K at the latter temperature?
1.6 A vessel of volume 22.4 dm3 contains 2.0 mol H2 and 1.0 mol N2 at
273.15 K initially. All the H2 reacted with sufficient N2 to form NH3. Calculate
the partial pressures and the total pressure of the final mixture.
1.7 Calculate the molar volume of chlorine gas at 350 K and 2.30 atm using
(a) the perfect gas law and (b) the van der Waals equation. Use the answer to
(a) to calculate a first approximation to the correction term for attraction and
then use successive approximations to obtain a numerical answer for part (b).
* Problems denoted with the symbol ‡ were supplied by Charles Trapp, Carmen Giunta, and Marshall Cady.
26
1 THE PROPERTIES OF GASES
1.8 At 273 K measurements on argon gave B = −21.7 cm3 mol−1 and
C = 1200 cm6 mol−2, where B and C are the second and third virial coefficients
in the expansion of Z in powers of 1/Vm. Assuming that the perfect gas law
holds sufficiently well for the estimation of the second and third terms of
the expansion, calculate the compression factor of argon at 100 atm and
273 K. From your result, estimate the molar volume of argon under these
conditions.
1.9 Calculate the volume occupied by 1.00 mol N2 using the van der Waals
equation in the form of a virial expansion at (a) its critical temperature,
(b) its Boyle temperature, and (c) its inversion temperature. Assume that
the pressure is 10 atm throughout. At what temperature is the gas most
perfect? Use the following data: Tc = 126.3 K, a = 1.352 dm6 atm mol−2,
b = 0.0387 dm3 mol−1.
1.10‡ The second virial coefficient of methane can be approximated
2
by the empirical equation B′(T) = a + be−c/T , where a = −0.1993 bar−1,
−1
2
b = 0.2002 bar , and c = 1131 K with 300 K < T < 600 K. What is the
Boyle temperature of methane?
1.11 The mass density of water vapour at 327.6 atm and 776.4 K is 133.2 kg m−3.
Given that for water Tc = 647.4 K, pc = 218.3 atm, a = 5.464 dm6 atm mol−2,
b = 0.03049 dm3 mol−1, and M = 18.02 g mol−1, calculate (a) the molar
volume. Then calculate the compression factor (b) from the data,
(c) from the virial expansion of the van der Waals equation.
1.12 The critical volume and critical pressure of a certain gas are
160 cm3 mol−1 and 40 atm, respectively. Estimate the critical temperature by
assuming that the gas obeys the Berthelot equation of state. Estimate the radii
of the gas molecules on the assumption that they are spheres.
1.13 Estimate the coefficients a and b in the Dieterici equation of state from
the critical constants of xenon. Calculate the pressure exerted by 1.0 mol Xe
when it is confined to 1.0 dm3 at 25°C.
Theoretical problems
1.14 Show that the van der Waals equation leads to values of Z < 1 and Z > 1,
and identify the conditions for which these values are obtained.
1.15 Express the van der Waals equation of state as a virial expansion in
powers of 1/Vm and obtain expressions for B and C in terms of the parameters
a and b. The expansion you will need is (1 − x)−1 = 1 + x + x2 + · · · .
Measurements on argon gave B = −21.7 cm3 mol−1 and C = 1200 cm6 mol−2
for the virial coefficients at 273 K. What are the values of a and b in the
corresponding van der Waals equation of state?
1.16‡ Derive the relation between the critical constants and the Dieterici
equation parameters. Show that Zc = 2e−2 and derive the reduced form of the
Dieterici equation of state. Compare the van der Waals and Dieterici
predictions of the critical compression factor. Which is closer to typical
experimental values?
1.17 A scientist proposed the following equation of state:
p=
RT
Vm
−
B
2
Vm
+
C
3
Vm
Show that the equation leads to critical behaviour. Find the critical constants
of the gas in terms of B and C and an expression for the critical compression
factor.
1.18 Equations 1.18 and 1.19 are expansions in p and 1/Vm, respectively. Find
the relation between B, C and B′, C′.
1.19 The second virial coefficient B′ can be obtained from measurements of
the density ρ of a gas at a series of pressures. Show that the graph of p/ρ
against p should be a straight line with slope proportional to B′. Use the data
on dimethyl ether in Problem 1.2 to find the values of B′ and B at 25°C.
1.20 The equation of state of a certain gas is given by p = RT/Vm +
2
(a + bT)/V m
, where a and b are constants. Find (∂V/∂T)p.
1.21 The following equations of state are occasionally used for approximate
calculations on gases: (gas A) pVm = RT(1 + b/Vm), (gas B) p(Vm – b) = RT.
Assuming that there were gases that actually obeyed these equations of state,
would it be possible to liquefy either gas A or B? Would they have a critical
temperature? Explain your answer.
1.22 Derive an expression for the compression factor of a gas that obeys the
equation of state p(V – nb) = nRT, where b and R are constants. If the pressure
and temperature are such that Vm = 10b, what is the numerical value of the
compression factor?
1.23‡ The discovery of the element argon by Lord Rayleigh and Sir William
Ramsay had its origins in Rayleigh’s measurements of the density of nitrogen
with an eye toward accurate determination of its molar mass. Rayleigh
prepared some samples of nitrogen by chemical reaction of nitrogencontaining compounds; under his standard conditions, a glass globe filled
with this ‘chemical nitrogen’ had a mass of 2.2990 g. He prepared other
samples by removing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour from
atmospheric air; under the same conditions, this ‘atmospheric nitrogen’ had a
mass of 2.3102 g (Lord Rayleigh, Royal Institution Proceedings 14, 524 (1895)).
With the hindsight of knowing accurate values for the molar masses of
nitrogen and argon, compute the mole fraction of argon in the latter sample
on the assumption that the former was pure nitrogen and the latter a mixture
of nitrogen and argon.
1.24‡ A substance as elementary and well known as argon still receives
research attention. Stewart and Jacobsen have published a review of
thermodynamic properties of argon (R.B. Stewart and R.T. Jacobsen, J. Phys.
Chem. Ref. Data 18, 639 (1989)) that included the following 300 K isotherm.
p/MPa
0.4000
0.5000
0.6000
0.8000
1.000
Vm/(dm3 mol−1)
6.2208
4.9736
4.1423
3.1031
2.4795
p/MPa
1.500
2.000
2.500
3.000
4.000
1.6483
1.2328
0.98357
0.81746
0.60998
3
−1
Vm/(dm mol )
(a) Compute the second virial coefficient, B, at this temperature. (b) Use
non-linear curve-fitting software to compute the third virial coefficient, C,
at this temperature.
Applications: to environmental science
1.25 Atmospheric pollution is a problem that has received much attention.
Not all pollution, however, is from industrial sources. Volcanic eruptions can
be a significant source of air pollution. The Kilauea volcano in Hawaii emits
200–300 t of SO2 per day. If this gas is emitted at 800°C and 1.0 atm, what
volume of gas is emitted?
1.26 Ozone is a trace atmospheric gas that plays an important role in
screening the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and the abundance
of ozone is commonly reported in Dobson units. One Dobson unit is the
thickness, in thousandths of a centimetre, of a column of gas if it were
collected as a pure gas at 1.00 atm and 0°C. What amount of O3 (in moles) is
found in a column of atmosphere with a cross-sectional area of 1.00 dm2 if the
abundance is 250 Dobson units (a typical mid-latitude value)? In the seasonal
Antarctic ozone hole, the column abundance drops below 100 Dobson units;
how many moles of ozone are found in such a column of air above a 1.00 dm2
area? Most atmospheric ozone is found between 10 and 50 km above the
surface of the earth. If that ozone is spread uniformly through this portion
of the atmosphere, what is the average molar concentration corresponding to
(a) 250 Dobson units, (b) 100 Dobson units?
1.27 The barometric formula relates the pressure of a gas of molar mass M at
an altitude h to its pressure p0 at sea level. Derive this relation by showing that
PROBLEMS
the change in pressure dp for an infinitesimal change in altitude dh where
the density is ρ is dp = −ρgdh. Remember that ρ depends on the pressure.
Evaluate (a) the pressure difference between the top and bottom of a
laboratory vessel of height 15 cm, and (b) the external atmospheric pressure
at a typical cruising altitude of an aircraft (11 km) when the pressure at
ground level is 1.0 atm.
1.29‡ The preceding problem is most readily solved (see the Solutions
1.28 Balloons are still used to deploy sensors that monitor meteorological
phenomena and the chemistry of the atmosphere. It is possible to investigate
some of the technicalities of ballooning by using the perfect gas law. Suppose
your balloon has a radius of 3.0 m and that it is spherical. (a) What amount of
H2 (in moles) is needed to inflate it to 1.0 atm in an ambient temperature of
25°C at sea level? (b) What mass can the balloon lift at sea level, where the
density of air is 1.22 kg m−3? (c) What would be the payload if He were used
instead of H2?
1.30 ‡ Chlorofluorocarbons such as CCl3F and CCl2F2 have been linked
27
manual) with the use of the Archimedes principle, which states that the lifting
force is equal to the difference between the weight of the displaced air and the
weight of the balloon. Prove the Archimedes principle for the atmosphere
from the barometric formula. Hint. Assume a simple shape for the balloon,
perhaps a right circular cylinder of cross–sectional area A and height h.
to ozone depletion in Antarctica. As of 1994, these gases were found in
quantities of 261 and 509 parts per trillion (1012) by volume (World
Resources Institute, World resources 1996–97). Compute the molar
concentration of these gases under conditions typical of (a) the mid-latitude
troposphere (10°C and 1.0 atm) and (b) the Antarctic stratosphere
(200 K and 0.050 atm).
2
The basic concepts
2.1 Work, heat, and energy
2.2 The internal energy
2.3 Expansion work
2.4 Heat transactions
2.5 Enthalpy
I2.1 Impact on biochemistry
and materials science:
Differential scanning
calorimetry
2.6 Adiabatic changes
Thermochemistry
2.7 Standard enthalpy changes
I2.2 Impact on biology: Food and
energy reserves
2.8 Standard enthalpies of
formation
2.9 The temperature-dependence
of reaction enthalpies
The First Law
This chapter introduces some of the basic concepts of thermodynamics. It concentrates
on the conservation of energy—the experimental observation that energy can be neither
created nor destroyed—and shows how the principle of the conservation of energy can be
used to assess the energy changes that accompany physical and chemical processes.
Much of this chapter examines the means by which a system can exchange energy with its
surroundings in terms of the work it may do or the heat that it may produce. The target concept of the chapter is enthalpy, which is a very useful book-keeping property for keeping
track of the heat output (or requirements) of physical processes and chemical reactions at
constant pressure. We also begin to unfold some of the power of thermodynamics by
showing how to establish relations between different properties of a system. We shall see
that one very useful aspect of thermodynamics is that a property can be measured indirectly
by measuring others and then combining their values. The relations we derive also enable
us to discuss the liquefaction of gases and to establish the relation between the heat
capacities of a substance under different conditions.
The release of energy can be used to provide heat when a fuel burns in a furnace, to
produce mechanical work when a fuel burns in an engine, and to generate electrical
work when a chemical reaction pumps electrons through a circuit. In chemistry, we
encounter reactions that can be harnessed to provide heat and work, reactions that
liberate energy which is squandered (often to the detriment of the environment) but
which give products we require, and reactions that constitute the processes of life.
Thermodynamics, the study of the transformations of energy, enables us to discuss all
these matters quantitatively and to make useful predictions.
State functions and exact
differentials
2.10 Exact and inexact differentials
2.11 Changes in internal energy
2.12 The Joule–Thomson effect
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 2.1: Adiabatic
processes
Further information 2.2: The relation
between heat capacities
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
The basic concepts
For the purposes of physical chemistry, the universe is divided into two parts, the system and its surroundings. The system is the part of the world in which we have a special interest. It may be a reaction vessel, an engine, an electrochemical cell, a biological
cell, and so on. The surroundings comprise the region outside the system and are
where we make our measurements. The type of system depends on the characteristics
of the boundary that divides it from the surroundings (Fig. 2.1). If matter can be
transferred through the boundary between the system and its surroundings the system is classified as open. If matter cannot pass through the boundary the system is
classified as closed. Both open and closed systems can exchange energy with their surroundings. For example, a closed system can expand and thereby raise a weight in the
surroundings; it may also transfer energy to them if they are at a lower temperature.
2.1 WORK, HEAT, AND ENERGY
An isolated system is a closed system that has neither mechanical nor thermal contact
with its surroundings.
2.1 Work, heat, and energy
The fundamental physical property in thermodynamics is work: work is motion
against an opposing force. Doing work is equivalent to raising a weight somewhere
in the surroundings. An example of doing work is the expansion of a gas that pushes
out a piston and raises a weight. A chemical reaction that drives an electric current
through a resistance also does work, because the same current could be driven
through a motor and used to raise a weight.
The energy of a system is its capacity to do work. When work is done on an otherwise isolated system (for instance, by compressing a gas or winding a spring), the capacity of the system to do work is increased; in other words, the energy of the system
is increased. When the system does work (when the piston moves out or the spring
unwinds), the energy of the system is reduced and it can do less work than before.
Experiments have shown that the energy of a system may be changed by means
other than work itself. When the energy of a system changes as a result of a temperature difference between the system and its surroundings we say that energy has been
transferred as heat. When a heater is immersed in a beaker of water (the system), the
capacity of the system to do work increases because hot water can be used to do more
work than the same amount of cold water. Not all boundaries permit the transfer
of energy even though there is a temperature difference between the system and its
surroundings.
An exothermic process is a process that releases energy as heat into its surroundings. All combustion reactions are exothermic. An endothermic process is a process in which energy is acquired from its surroundings as heat. An example of an
endothermic process is the vaporization of water. To avoid a lot of awkward circumlocution, we say that in an exothermic process energy is transferred ‘as heat’ to the
surroundings and in an endothermic process energy is transferred ‘as heat’ from
the surroundings into the system. However, it must never be forgotten that heat is a
process (the transfer of energy as a result of a temperature difference), not an entity.
An endothermic process in a diathermic container results in energy flowing into the
system as heat. An exothermic process in a similar diathermic container results in a
release of energy as heat into the surroundings. When an endothermic process takes
place in an adiabatic container, it results in a lowering of temperature of the system;
an exothermic process results in a rise of temperature. These features are summarized
in Fig. 2.2.
Molecular interpretation 2.1 Heat and work
In molecular terms, heating is the transfer of energy that makes use of disorderly
molecular motion. The disorderly motion of molecules is called thermal motion.
The thermal motion of the molecules in the hot surroundings stimulates the
molecules in the cooler system to move more vigorously and, as a result, the energy
of the system is increased. When a system heats its surroundings, molecules of
the system stimulate the thermal motion of the molecules in the surroundings
(Fig. 2.3).
In contrast, work is the transfer of energy that makes use of organized motion
(Fig. 2.4). When a weight is raised or lowered, its atoms move in an organized way
(up or down). The atoms in a spring move in an orderly way when it is wound; the
(a) An open system can exchange
matter and energy with its surroundings.
(b) A closed system can exchange energy
with its surroundings, but it cannot
exchange matter. (c) An isolated system
can exchange neither energy nor matter
with its surroundings.
Fig. 2.1
29
30
2 THE FIRST LAW
When energy is transferred to the
surroundings as heat, the transfer
stimulates random motion of the atoms in
the surroundings. Transfer of energy from
the surroundings to the system makes use
of random motion (thermal motion) in the
surroundings.
Fig. 2.3
(a) When an endothermic process
occurs in an adiabatic system, the
temperature falls; (b) if the process is
exothermic, then the temperature rises.
(c) When an endothermic process occurs
in a diathermic container, energy enters as
heat from the surroundings, and the system
remains at the same temperature. (d) If the
process is exothermic, then energy leaves as
heat, and the process is isothermal.
Fig. 2.2
When a system does work, it
stimulates orderly motion in the
surroundings. For instance, the atoms
shown here may be part of a weight that is
being raised. The ordered motion of the
atoms in a falling weight does work on the
system.
Fig. 2.4
electrons in an electric current move in an orderly direction when it flows. When a
system does work it causes atoms or electrons in its surroundings to move in an
organized way. Likewise, when work is done on a system, molecules in the surroundings are used to transfer energy to it in an organized way, as the atoms in a
weight are lowered or a current of electrons is passed.
The distinction between work and heat is made in the surroundings. The fact
that a falling weight may stimulate thermal motion in the system is irrelevant to the
distinction between heat and work: work is identified as energy transfer making
use of the organized motion of atoms in the surroundings, and heat is identified as
energy transfer making use of thermal motion in the surroundings. In the compression of a gas, for instance, work is done as the atoms of the compressing weight
descend in an orderly way, but the effect of the incoming piston is to accelerate the
gas molecules to higher average speeds. Because collisions between molecules
quickly randomize their directions, the orderly motion of the atoms of the weight
is in effect stimulating thermal motion in the gas. We observe the falling weight,
the orderly descent of its atoms, and report that work is being done even though it
is stimulating thermal motion.
2.2 The internal energy
In thermodynamics, the total energy of a system is called its internal energy, U. The
internal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy of the molecules in the system
(see Comment 1.3 for the definitions of kinetic and potential energy).1 We denote by
∆U the change in internal energy when a system changes from an initial state i with
internal energy Ui to a final state f of internal energy Uf :
∆U = Uf − Ui
[2.1]
1
The internal energy does not include the kinetic energy arising from the motion of the system as a whole,
such as its kinetic energy as it accompanies the Earth on its orbit round the Sun.
2.2 THE INTERNAL ENERGY
The internal energy is a state function in the sense that its value depends only on the
current state of the system and is independent of how that state has been prepared.
In other words, it is a function of the properties that determine the current state of
the system. Changing any one of the state variables, such as the pressure, results in
a change in internal energy. The internal energy is an extensive property. That the
internal energy is a state function has consequences of the greatest importance, as we
start to unfold in Section 2.10.
Internal energy, heat, and work are all measured in the same units, the joule (J). The
joule, which is named after the nineteenth-century scientist J.P. Joule, is defined as
1 J = 1 kg m2 s−2
A joule is quite a small unit of energy: for instance, each beat of the human heart consumes about 1 J. Changes in molar internal energy, ∆Um, are typically expressed in
kilojoules per mole (kJ mol−1). Certain other energy units are also used, but are more
common in fields other than thermodynamics. Thus, 1 electronvolt (1 eV) is defined
as the kinetic energy acquired when an electron is accelerated from rest through a
potential difference of 1 V; the relation between electronvolts and joules is 1 eV ≈
0.16 aJ (where 1 aJ = 10−18 J). Many processes in chemistry have an energy of several
electronvolts. Thus, the energy to remove an electron from a sodium atom is close to
5 eV. Calories (cal) and kilocalories (kcal) are still encountered. The current definition
of the calorie in terms of joules is
1 cal = 4.184 J exactly
An energy of 1 cal is enough to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1°C.
Molecular interpretation 2.2 The internal energy of a gas
A molecule has a certain number of degrees of freedom, such as the ability to translate (the motion of its centre of mass through space), rotate around its centre
of mass, or vibrate (as its bond lengths and angles change). Many physical and
chemical properties depend on the energy associated with each of these modes of
motion. For example, a chemical bond might break if a lot of energy becomes
concentrated in it.
The equipartition theorem of classical mechanics is a useful guide to the average
energy associated with each degree of freedom when the sample is at a temperature
T. First, we need to know that a ‘quadratic contribution’ to the energy means a
contribution that can be expressed as the square of a variable, such as the position
or the velocity. For example, the kinetic energy an atom of mass m as it moves
through space is
EK = –12 mv x2 + –12 mv y2 + –12 mv z2
and there are three quadratic contributions to its energy. The equipartition
theorem then states that, for a collection of particles at thermal equilibrium at a
temperature T, the average value of each quadratic contribution to the energy is the
same and equal to –12 kT, where k is Boltzmann’s constant (k = 1.381 × 10−23 J K −1).
The equipartition theorem is a conclusion from classical mechanics and is
applicable only when the effects of quantization can be ignored (see Chapters 16
and 17). In practice, it can be used for molecular translation and rotation but not
vibration. At 25°C, –12 kT = 2 zJ (where 1 zJ = 10−21 J), or about 13 meV.
According to the equipartition theorem, the average energy of each term in the
expression above is –12 kT. Therefore, the mean energy of the atoms is –23 kT and the
31
Comment 2.1
An extensive property is a property that
depends on the amount of substance in
the sample. An intensive property is a
property that is independent of the
amount of substance in the sample. Two
examples of extensive properties are
mass and volume. Examples of intensive
properties are temperature, mass
density (mass divided by volume), and
pressure.
32
2 THE FIRST LAW
total energy of the gas (there being no potential energy contribution) is –23 NkT, or
–23 nRT (because N = nNA and R = NAk). We can therefore write
Um = Um(0) + –23 RT
The rotational modes of molecules
and the corresponding average energies at a
temperature T. (a) A linear molecule can
rotate about two axes perpendicular to the
line of the atoms. (b) A nonlinear molecule
can rotate about three perpendicular axes.
Fig. 2.5
where Um(0) is the molar internal energy at T = 0, when all translational motion
has ceased and the sole contribution to the internal energy arises from the internal
structure of the atoms. This equation shows that the internal energy of a perfect gas
increases linearly with temperature. At 25°C, –23 RT = 3.7 kJ mol−1, so translational
motion contributes about 4 kJ mol−1 to the molar internal energy of a gaseous
sample of atoms or molecules (the remaining contribution arises from the internal
structure of the atoms and molecules).
When the gas consists of polyatomic molecules, we need to take into account the
effect of rotation and vibration. A linear molecule, such as N2 and CO2, can rotate
around two axes perpendicular to the line of the atoms (Fig. 2.5), so it has two
rotational modes of motion, each contributing a term –12 kT to the internal energy.
Therefore, the mean rotational energy is kT and the rotational contribution to the
molar internal energy is RT. By adding the translational and rotational contributions, we obtain
Um = Um(0) + –52 RT
(linear molecule, translation and rotation only)
A nonlinear molecule, such as CH4 or water, can rotate around three axes and,
again, each mode of motion contributes a term –12 kT to the internal energy.
Therefore, the mean rotational energy is –32 kT and there is a rotational contribution
of –32 RT to the molar internal energy of the molecule. That is,
Um = Um(0) + 3RT
(nonlinear molecule, translation and rotation only)
The internal energy now increases twice as rapidly with temperature compared
with the monatomic gas.
The internal energy of interacting molecules in condensed phases also has a
contribution from the potential energy of their interaction. However, no simple
expressions can be written down in general. Nevertheless, the crucial molecular
point is that, as the temperature of a system is raised, the internal energy increases
as the various modes of motion become more highly excited.
It has been found experimentally that the internal energy of a system may be
changed either by doing work on the system or by heating it. Whereas we may know
how the energy transfer has occurred (because we can see if a weight has been raised
or lowered in the surroundings, indicating transfer of energy by doing work, or if ice
has melted in the surroundings, indicating transfer of energy as heat), the system is
blind to the mode employed. Heat and work are equivalent ways of changing a system’s
internal energy. A system is like a bank: it accepts deposits in either currency, but stores
its reserves as internal energy. It is also found experimentally that, if a system is
isolated from its surroundings, then no change in internal energy takes place. This
summary of observations is now known as the First Law of thermodynamics and
expressed as follows:
The internal energy of an isolated system is constant.
We cannot use a system to do work, leave it isolated for a month, and then come back
expecting to find it restored to its original state and ready to do the same work again.
The evidence for this property is that no ‘perpetual motion machine’ (a machine that
2.3 EXPANSION WORK
does work without consuming fuel or some other source of energy) has ever been
built.
These remarks may be summarized as follows. If we write w for the work done on a
system, q for the energy transferred as heat to a system, and ∆U for the resulting
change in internal energy, then it follows that
∆U = q + w
(2.2)
Equation 2.2 is the mathematical statement of the First Law, for it summarizes the
equivalence of heat and work and the fact that the internal energy is constant in an
isolated system (for which q = 0 and w = 0). The equation states that the change in
internal energy of a closed system is equal to the energy that passes through its boundary as heat or work. It employs the ‘acquisitive convention’, in which w > 0 or q > 0 if
energy is transferred to the system as work or heat and w < 0 or q < 0 if energy is lost
from the system as work or heat. In other words, we view the flow of energy as work
or heat from the system’s perspective.
Illustration 2.1 The sign convention in thermodynamics
If an electric motor produced 15 kJ of energy each second as mechanical work and
lost 2 kJ as heat to the surroundings, then the change in the internal energy of the
motor each second is
∆U = −2 kJ − 15 kJ = −17 kJ
Suppose that, when a spring was wound, 100 J of work was done on it but 15 J
escaped to the surroundings as heat. The change in internal energy of the spring is
∆U = +100 kJ − 15 kJ = +85 kJ
2.3 Expansion work
The way can now be opened to powerful methods of calculation by switching attention to infinitesimal changes of state (such as infinitesimal change in temperature)
and infinitesimal changes in the internal energy dU. Then, if the work done on a system is dw and the energy supplied to it as heat is dq, in place of eqn 2.2 we have
dU = dq + dw
(2.3)
To use this expression we must be able to relate dq and dw to events taking place in the
surroundings.
We begin by discussing expansion work, the work arising from a change in volume.
This type of work includes the work done by a gas as it expands and drives back the
atmosphere. Many chemical reactions result in the generation or consumption of
gases (for instance, the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate or the combustion of octane), and the thermodynamic characteristics of a reaction depend on the
work it can do. The term ‘expansion work’ also includes work associated with negative changes of volume, that is, compression.
(a) The general expression for work
The calculation of expansion work starts from the definition used in physics, which
states that the work required to move an object a distance dz against an opposing force
of magnitude F is
dw = −Fdz
[2.4]
33
34
2 THE FIRST LAW
The negative sign tells us that, when the system moves an object against an opposing
force, the internal energy of the system doing the work will decrease. Now consider the
arrangement shown in Fig. 2.6, in which one wall of a system is a massless, frictionless,
rigid, perfectly fitting piston of area A. If the external pressure is pex, the magnitude of
the force acting on the outer face of the piston is F = pex A. When the system expands
through a distance dz against an external pressure pex, it follows that the work done is
dw = −pex Adz. But Adz is the change in volume, dV, in the course of the expansion.
Therefore, the work done when the system expands by dV against a pressure pex is
dw = −pexdV
(2.5)
To obtain the total work done when the volume changes from Vi to Vf we integrate
this expression between the initial and final volumes:
When a piston of area A moves out
through a distance dz, it sweeps out a
volume dV = Adz. The external pressure pex
is equivalent to a weight pressing on the
piston, and the force opposing expansion is
F = pex A.
Fig. 2.6
#
w=−
Vf
pexdV
(2.6)
Vi
The force acting on the piston, pex A, is equivalent to a weight that is raised as the system expands.
If the system is compressed instead, then the same weight is lowered in the surroundings and eqn 2.6 can still be used, but now Vf < Vi. It is important to note that it
is still the external pressure that determines the magnitude of the work. This somewhat perplexing conclusion seems to be inconsistent with the fact that the gas inside
the container is opposing the compression. However, when a gas is compressed, the
ability of the surroundings to do work is diminished by an amount determined by the
weight that is lowered, and it is this energy that is transferred into the system.
Other types of work (for example, electrical work), which we shall call either nonexpansion work or additional work, have analogous expressions, with each one the
product of an intensive factor (the pressure, for instance) and an extensive factor (the
change in volume). Some are collected in Table 2.1. For the present we continue with
the work associated with changing the volume, the expansion work, and see what we
can extract from eqns 2.5 and 2.6.
(b) Free expansion
By free expansion we mean expansion against zero opposing force. It occurs when
pex = 0. According to eqn 2.5, dw = 0 for each stage of the expansion. Hence, overall:
Free expansion:
w=0
(2.7)
Table 2.1 Varieties of work*
Type of work
dw
Comments
Units†
Expansion
−pexdV
pex is the external pressure
dV is the change in volume
Pa
m3
Surface expansion
γ dσ
γ is the surface tension
dσ is the change in area
N m−1
m2
Extension
fdl
f is the tension
dl is the change in length
N
m
Electrical
φ dQ
φ is the electric potential
dQ is the change in charge
V
C
* In general, the work done on a system can be expressed in the form dw = −Fdz, where F is a ‘generalized force’
and dz is a ‘generalized displacement’.
† For work in joules (J). Note that 1 N m = 1 J and 1 V C = 1 J.
2.3 EXPANSION WORK
35
That is, no work is done when a system expands freely. Expansion of this kind occurs
when a system expands into a vacuum.
(c) Expansion against constant pressure
Now suppose that the external pressure is constant throughout the expansion. For example, the piston may be pressed on by the atmosphere, which exerts the same pressure throughout the expansion. A chemical example of this condition is the expansion
of a gas formed in a chemical reaction. We can evaluate eqn 2.6 by taking the constant
pex outside the integral:
#
w = −pex
Vf
dV = −pex(Vf − Vi)
Vi
Therefore, if we write the change in volume as ∆V = Vf − Vi,
w = −pex ∆V
(2.8)
This result is illustrated graphically in Fig. 2.7, which makes use of the fact that an
integral can be interpreted as an area. The magnitude of w, denoted |w|, is equal to the
area beneath the horizontal line at p = pex lying between the initial and final volumes.
A p,V-graph used to compute expansion work is called an indicator diagram; James
Watt first used one to indicate aspects of the operation of his steam engine.
Comment 2.2
(d) Reversible expansion
The value of the integral
A reversible change in thermodynamics is a change that can be reversed by an
infinitesimal modification of a variable. The key word ‘infinitesimal’ sharpens the
everyday meaning of the word ‘reversible’ as something that can change direction. We
say that a system is in equilibrium with its surroundings if an infinitesimal change
in the conditions in opposite directions results in opposite changes in its state. One
example of reversibility that we have encountered already is the thermal equilibrium
of two systems with the same temperature. The transfer of energy as heat between the
two is reversible because, if the temperature of either system is lowered infinitesimally, then energy flows into the system with the lower temperature. If the temperature
of either system at thermal equilibrium is raised infinitesimally, then energy flows out
of the hotter system.
Suppose a gas is confined by a piston and that the external pressure, pex, is set equal
to the pressure, p, of the confined gas. Such a system is in mechanical equilibrium with
its surroundings (as illustrated in Section 1.1) because an infinitesimal change in the
external pressure in either direction causes changes in volume in opposite directions.
If the external pressure is reduced infinitesimally, then the gas expands slightly. If
the external pressure is increased infinitesimally, then the gas contracts slightly. In
either case the change is reversible in the thermodynamic sense. If, on the other hand,
the external pressure differs measurably from the internal pressure, then changing pex
infinitesimally will not decrease it below the pressure of the gas, so will not change the
direction of the process. Such a system is not in mechanical equilibrium with its surroundings and the expansion is thermodynamically irreversible.
To achieve reversible expansion we set pex equal to p at each stage of the expansion.
In practice, this equalization could be achieved by gradually removing weights from
the piston so that the downward force due to the weights always matched the changing upward force due to the pressure of the gas. When we set pex = p, eqn 2.5 becomes
dw = −pexdV = −pdV
The work done by a gas when it
expands against a constant external
pressure, pex, is equal to the shaded area in
this example of an indicator diagram.
Fig. 2.7
(2.9)rev
(Equations valid only for reversible processes are labelled with a subscript rev.)
Although the pressure inside the system appears in this expression for the work, it
# f(x)dx is
b
a
equal to the area under the graph of f(x)
between x = a and x = b. For instance, the
area under the curve f(x) = x 2 shown in
the illustration that lies between x = 1
and 3 is
# x dx = (–x + constant)
3
2
1
1 3
3
3
1
= –31 (33 − 13) = –26
3– ≈ 8.67
36
2 THE FIRST LAW
does so only because pex has been set equal to p to ensure reversibility. The total work
of reversible expansion is therefore
#
w=−
Vf
pdV
(2.10)rev
Vi
We can evaluate the integral once we know how the pressure of the confined gas
depends on its volume. Equation 2.10 is the link with the material covered in Chapter 1 for, if we know the equation of state of the gas, then we can express p in terms of
V and evaluate the integral.
(e) Isothermal reversible expansion
Comment 2.3
An integral that occurs throughout
thermodynamics is
# x dx = (lnx + constant)
b
a
1
b
a
= ln
b
a
Consider the isothermal, reversible expansion of a perfect gas. The expansion is made
isothermal by keeping the system in thermal contact with its surroundings (which
may be a constant-temperature bath). Because the equation of state is pV = nRT, we
know that at each stage p = nRT/V, with V the volume at that stage of the expansion.
The temperature T is constant in an isothermal expansion, so (together with n and R)
it may be taken outside the integral. It follows that the work of reversible isothermal
expansion of a perfect gas from Vi to Vf at a temperature T is
#
w = −nRT
Vf
Vi
The work done by a perfect gas
when it expands reversibly and
isothermally is equal to the area under the
isotherm p = nRT/V. The work done
during the irreversible expansion against
the same final pressure is equal to the
rectangular area shown slightly darker.
Note that the reversible work is greater
than the irreversible work.
Fig. 2.8
Exploration Calculate the work of
isothermal reversible expansion of
1.0 mol CO2(g) at 298 K from 1.0 m3 to
3.0 m3 on the basis that it obeys the van
der Waals equation of state.
dV
V
= −nRT ln
Vf
Vi
(2.11)°rev
When the final volume is greater than the initial volume, as in an expansion, the
logarithm in eqn 2.11 is positive and hence w < 0. In this case, the system has done
work on the surroundings and the internal energy of the system has decreased as a
result.2 The equations also show that more work is done for a given change of volume
when the temperature is increased. The greater pressure of the confined gas then
needs a higher opposing pressure to ensure reversibility.
We can express the result of the calculation as an indicator diagram, for the magnitude of the work done is equal to the area under the isotherm p = nRT/V (Fig. 2.8).
Superimposed on the diagram is the rectangular area obtained for irreversible expansion against constant external pressure fixed at the same final value as that reached in
the reversible expansion. More work is obtained when the expansion is reversible (the
area is greater) because matching the external pressure to the internal pressure at each
stage of the process ensures that none of the system’s pushing power is wasted. We
cannot obtain more work than for the reversible process because increasing the external
pressure even infinitesimally at any stage results in compression. We may infer from
this discussion that, because some pushing power is wasted when p > pex, the maximum work available from a system operating between specified initial and final states
and passing along a specified path is obtained when the change takes place reversibly.
We have introduced the connection between reversibility and maximum work for
the special case of a perfect gas undergoing expansion. Later (in Section 3.5) we shall
see that it applies to all substances and to all kinds of work.
Example 2.1 Calculating the work of gas production
Calculate the work done when 50 g of iron reacts with hydrochloric acid in (a) a
closed vessel of fixed volume, (b) an open beaker at 25°C.
2
We shall see later that there is a compensating influx of energy as heat, so overall the internal energy is
constant for the isothermal expansion of a perfect gas.
2.4 HEAT TRANSACTIONS
Method We need to judge the magnitude of the volume change and then to decide
how the process occurs. If there is no change in volume, there is no expansion work
however the process takes place. If the system expands against a constant external
pressure, the work can be calculated from eqn 2.8. A general feature of processes in
which a condensed phase changes into a gas is that the volume of the former may
usually be neglected relative to that of the gas it forms.
Answer In (a) the volume cannot change, so no expansion work is done and
w = 0. In (b) the gas drives back the atmosphere and therefore w = −pex ∆V. We can
neglect the initial volume because the final volume (after the production of gas)
is so much larger and ∆V = Vf − Vi ≈ Vf = nRT/pex, where n is the amount of H2 produced. Therefore,
w = −pex ∆V ≈ −pex ×
nRT
pex
= −nRT
Because the reaction is Fe(s) + 2 HCl(aq) → FeCl2(aq) + H2(g), we know that 1 mol
H2 is generated when 1 mol Fe is consumed, and n can be taken as the amount of
Fe atoms that react. Because the molar mass of Fe is 55.85 g mol−1, it follows that
w≈−
50 g
55.85 g mol−1
× (8.3145 J K−1 mol−1) × (298 K)
≈ −2.2 kJ
The system (the reaction mixture) does 2.2 kJ of work driving back the atmosphere. Note that (for this perfect gas system) the magnitude of the external pressure does not affect the final result: the lower the pressure, the larger the volume
occupied by the gas, so the effects cancel.
Self-test 2.1 Calculate the expansion work done when 50 g of water is electrolysed
under constant pressure at 25°C.
[−10 kJ]
2.4 Heat transactions
In general, the change in internal energy of a system is
dU = dq + dwexp + dwe
(2.12)
where dwe is work in addition (e for ‘extra’) to the expansion work, dwexp. For
instance, dwe might be the electrical work of driving a current through a circuit. A
system kept at constant volume can do no expansion work, so dwexp = 0. If the system is also incapable of doing any other kind of work (if it is not, for instance, an
electrochemical cell connected to an electric motor), then dwe = 0 too. Under these
circumstances:
dU = dq
(at constant volume, no additional work)
(2.13a)
We express this relation by writing dU = dqV , where the subscript implies a change at
constant volume. For a measurable change,
∆U = qV
(2.13b)
It follows that, by measuring the energy supplied to a constant-volume system as heat
(q > 0) or obtained from it as heat (q < 0) when it undergoes a change of state, we are
in fact measuring the change in its internal energy.
37
38
2 THE FIRST LAW
(a) Calorimetry
Calorimetry is the study of heat transfer during physical and chemical processes. A
calorimeter is a device for measuring energy transferred as heat. The most common
device for measuring ∆U is an adiabatic bomb calorimeter (Fig. 2.9). The process we
wish to study—which may be a chemical reaction—is initiated inside a constantvolume container, the ‘bomb’. The bomb is immersed in a stirred water bath, and the
whole device is the calorimeter. The calorimeter is also immersed in an outer water
bath. The water in the calorimeter and of the outer bath are both monitored and
adjusted to the same temperature. This arrangement ensures that there is no net loss
of heat from the calorimeter to the surroundings (the bath) and hence that the
calorimeter is adiabatic.
The change in temperature, ∆T, of the calorimeter is proportional to the heat
that the reaction releases or absorbs. Therefore, by measuring ∆T we can determine qV
and hence find ∆U. The conversion of ∆T to qV is best achieved by calibrating the
calorimeter using a process of known energy output and determining the calorimeter
constant, the constant C in the relation
q = C∆T
(2.14a)
The calorimeter constant may be measured electrically by passing a constant current,
I, from a source of known potential difference, V, through a heater for a known period
of time, t, for then
A constant-volume bomb
calorimeter. The ‘bomb’ is the central
vessel, which is strong enough to withstand
high pressures. The calorimeter (for which
the heat capacity must be known) is the
entire assembly shown here. To ensure
adiabaticity, the calorimeter is immersed
in a water bath with a temperature
continuously readjusted to that of the
calorimeter at each stage of the
combustion.
q = IV t
Fig. 2.9
(2.14b)
Alternatively, C may be determined by burning a known mass of substance (benzoic
acid is often used) that has a known heat output. With C known, it is simple to interpret an observed temperature rise as a release of heat.
Illustration 2.2 The calibration of a calorimeter
If we pass a current of 10.0 A from a 12 V supply for 300 s, then from eqn 2.14b the
energy supplied as heat is
q = (10.0 A) × (12 V) × (300 s) = 3.6 × 104 A V s = 36 kJ
because 1 A V s = 1 J. If the observed rise in temperature is 5.5 K, then the calorimeter constant is C = (36 kJ)/(5.5 K) = 6.5 kJ K−1.
Comment 2.4
Electrical charge is measured in
coulombs, C. The motion of charge gives
rise to an electric current, I, measured in
coulombs per second, or amperes, A,
where 1 A = 1 C s−1. If a constant current
I flows through a potential difference V
(measured in volts, V), the total energy
supplied in an interval t is
Energy supplied = IV t
Because 1 A V s = 1 (C s−1) V s =
1 C V = 1 J, the energy is obtained in
joules with the current in amperes, the
potential difference in volts, and the
time in seconds. We write the electrical
power, P, as
P = (energy supplied)/(time interval)
= IV t/t = IV
(b) Heat capacity
The internal energy of a substance increases when its temperature is raised. The
increase depends on the conditions under which the heating takes place and for the
present we suppose that the sample is confined to a constant volume. For example,
the sample may be a gas in a container of fixed volume. If the internal energy is plotted
against temperature, then a curve like that in Fig. 2.10 may be obtained. The slope of
the tangent to the curve at any temperature is called the heat capacity of the system at
that temperature. The heat capacity at constant volume is denoted CV and is defined
formally as3
3
If the system can change its composition, it is necessary to distinguish between equilibrium and fixedcomposition values of CV. All applications in this chapter refer to a single substance, so this complication
can be ignored.
2.4 HEAT TRANSACTIONS
Fig. 2.10 The internal energy of a system
increases as the temperature is raised; this
graph shows its variation as the system is
heated at constant volume. The slope of the
tangent to the curve at any temperature is
the heat capacity at constant volume at that
temperature. Note that, for the system
illustrated, the heat capacity is greater at B
than at A.
CV =
Fig. 2.11 The internal energy of a system
varies with volume and temperature,
perhaps as shown here by the surface. The
variation of the internal energy with
temperature at one particular constant
volume is illustrated by the curve drawn
parallel to T. The slope of this curve at
any point is the partial derivative
(∂U/∂T)V.
A ∂U D
C ∂T F V
[2.15]
In this case, the internal energy varies with the temperature and the volume of the
sample, but we are interested only in its variation with the temperature, the volume
being held constant (Fig. 2.11).
Illustration 2.3 Estimating a constant-volume heat capacity
The heat capacity of a monatomic perfect gas can be calculated by inserting the
expression for the internal energy derived in Molecular interpretation 2.2. There we
saw that Um = Um(0) + –32 RT, so from eqn 2.15
CV,m =
∂
∂T
(Um(0) + –32 RT) = –32 R
The numerical value is 12.47 J K−1 mol−1.
Heat capacities are extensive properties: 100 g of water, for instance, has 100 times
the heat capacity of 1 g of water (and therefore requires 100 times the energy as heat
to bring about the same rise in temperature). The molar heat capacity at constant
volume, CV,m = CV /n, is the heat capacity per mole of material, and is an intensive
property (all molar quantities are intensive). Typical values of CV,m for polyatomic
gases are close to 25 J K−1 mol−1. For certain applications it is useful to know the
specific heat capacity (more informally, the ‘specific heat’) of a substance, which is
the heat capacity of the sample divided by the mass, usually in grams: CV,s = CV /m. The
specific heat capacity of water at room temperature is close to 4 J K−1 g−1. In general,
Comment 2.5
The partial-differential operation
(∂z/∂x)y consists of taking the first
derivative of z(x,y) with respect to x,
treating y as a constant. For example,
if z(x,y) = x 2y, then
A ∂z D A ∂[x 2y] D
dx 2
B E =B
E =y
= 2yx
C ∂x F y C ∂x F y
dx
Partial derivatives are reviewed in
Appendix 2.
39
40
2 THE FIRST LAW
heat capacities depend on the temperature and decrease at low temperatures. However, over small ranges of temperature at and above room temperature, the variation
is quite small and for approximate calculations heat capacities can be treated as almost
independent of temperature.
The heat capacity is used to relate a change in internal energy to a change in temperature of a constant-volume system. It follows from eqn 2.15 that
dU = CV dT
(at constant volume)
(2.16a)
That is, at constant volume, an infinitesimal change in temperature brings about an
infinitesimal change in internal energy, and the constant of proportionality is CV. If
the heat capacity is independent of temperature over the range of temperatures of
interest, a measurable change of temperature, ∆T, brings about a measurable increase
in internal energy, ∆U, where
∆U = CV ∆T
(at constant volume)
(2.16b)
Because a change in internal energy can be identified with the heat supplied at constant volume (eqn 2.13b), the last equation can be written
qV = CV ∆T
(2.17)
This relation provides a simple way of measuring the heat capacity of a sample: a measured quantity of energy is transferred as heat to the sample (electrically, for example),
and the resulting increase in temperature is monitored. The ratio of the energy transferred as heat to the temperature rise it causes (qV /∆T) is the constant-volume heat
capacity of the sample.
A large heat capacity implies that, for a given quantity of energy transferred as heat,
there will be only a small increase in temperature (the sample has a large capacity for
heat). An infinite heat capacity implies that there will be no increase in temperature
however much energy is supplied as heat. At a phase transition, such as at the boiling
point of water, the temperature of a substance does not rise as energy is supplied as
heat: the energy is used to drive the endothermic transition, in this case to vaporize
the water, rather than to increase its temperature. Therefore, at the temperature of
a phase transition, the heat capacity of a sample is infinite. The properties of heat
capacities close to phase transitions are treated more fully in Section 4.7.
2.5 Enthalpy
The change in internal energy is not equal to the energy transferred as heat when the
system is free to change its volume. Under these circumstances some of the energy
supplied as heat to the system is returned to the surroundings as expansion work
(Fig. 2.12), so dU is less than dq. However, we shall now show that in this case the
energy supplied as heat at constant pressure is equal to the change in another
thermodynamic property of the system, the enthalpy.
(a) The definition of enthalpy
The enthalpy, H, is defined as
When a system is subjected to
constant pressure and is free to change its
volume, some of the energy supplied as
heat may escape back into the
surroundings as work. In such a case, the
change in internal energy is smaller than
the energy supplied as heat.
Fig. 2.12
H = U + pV
[2.18]
where p is the pressure of the system and V is its volume. Because U, p, and V are all
state functions, the enthalpy is a state function too. As is true of any state function, the
change in enthalpy, ∆H, between any pair of initial and final states is independent of
the path between them.
2.5 ENTHALPY
Although the definition of enthalpy may appear arbitrary, it has important implications for thermochemisty. For instance, we show in the following Justification that eqn
2.18 implies that the change in enthalpy is equal to the energy supplied as heat at constant
pressure (provided the system does no additional work):
dH = dq
(at constant pressure, no additional work)
(2.19a)
For a measurable change,
∆H = qp
(2.19b)
Justification 2.1 The relation ∆H = qp
For a general infinitesimal change in the state of the system, U changes to U + dU,
p changes to p + dp, and V changes to V + dV, so from the definition in eqn 2.18,
H changes from U + pV to
H + dH = (U + dU) + (p + dp)(V + dV)
= U + dU + pV + pdV + Vdp + dpdV
The last term is the product of two infinitesimally small quantities and can therefore
be neglected. As a result, after recognizing U + pV = H on the right, we find that H
changes to
H + dH = H + dU + pdV + Vdp
and hence that
dH = dU + pdV + Vdp
If we now substitute dU = dq + dw into this expression, we get
dH = dq + dw + pdV + Vdp
If the system is in mechanical equilibrium with its surroundings at a pressure p and
does only expansion work, we can write dw = −pdV and obtain
dH = dq + Vdp
Now we impose the condition that the heating occurs at constant pressure by writing dp = 0. Then
dH = dq
(at constant pressure, no additional work)
as in eqn 2.19a.
The result expressed in eqn 2.19 states that, when a system is subjected to a constant
pressure, and only expansion work can occur, the change in enthalpy is equal to the
energy supplied as heat. For example, if we supply 36 kJ of energy through an electric
heater immersed in an open beaker of water, then the enthalpy of the water increases
by 36 kJ and we write ∆H = +36 kJ.
(b) The measurement of an enthalpy change
An enthalpy change can be measured calorimetrically by monitoring the temperature
change that accompanies a physical or chemical change occurring at constant pressure. A calorimeter for studying processes at constant pressure is called an isobaric
calorimeter. A simple example is a thermally insulated vessel open to the atmosphere:
the heat released in the reaction is monitored by measuring the change in temperature
41
42
2 THE FIRST LAW
of the contents. For a combustion reaction an adiabatic flame calorimeter may be
used to measure ∆T when a given amount of substance burns in a supply of oxygen
(Fig. 2.13). Another route to ∆H is to measure the internal energy change by using
a bomb calorimeter, and then to convert ∆U to ∆H. Because solids and liquids have
small molar volumes, for them pVm is so small that the molar enthalpy and molar
internal energy are almost identical (Hm = Um + pVm ≈ Um). Consequently, if a process involves only solids or liquids, the values of ∆H and ∆U are almost identical.
Physically, such processes are accompanied by a very small change in volume, the
system does negligible work on the surroundings when the process occurs, so the
energy supplied as heat stays entirely within the system. The most sophisticated way
to measure enthalpy changes, however, is to use a differential scanning calorimeter
(DSC). Changes in enthalpy and internal energy may also be measured by noncalorimetric methods (see Chapter 7).
Example 2.2 Relating ∆H and ∆U
The internal energy change when 1.0 mol CaCO3 in the form of calcite converts to
aragonite is +0.21 kJ. Calculate the difference between the enthalpy change and the
change in internal energy when the pressure is 1.0 bar given that the densities of the
solids are 2.71 g cm−3 and 2.93 g cm−3, respectively.
A constant-pressure flame
calorimeter consists of this component
immersed in a stirred water bath.
Combustion occurs as a known amount of
reactant is passed through to fuel the flame,
and the rise of temperature is monitored.
Fig. 2.13
Method The starting point for the calculation is the relation between the enthalpy
of a substance and its internal energy (eqn 2.18). The difference between the two
quantities can be expressed in terms of the pressure and the difference of their
molar volumes, and the latter can be calculated from their molar masses, M, and
their mass densities, ρ, by using ρ = M/Vm.
Answer The change in enthalpy when the transition occurs is
∆H = H(aragonite) − H(calcite)
= {U(a) + pV(a)} − {U(c) + pV(c)}
= ∆U + p{V(a) − V(c)} = ∆U + p∆V
The volume of 1.0 mol CaCO3 (100 g) as aragonite is 34 cm3, and that of 1.0 mol
CaCO3 as calcite is 37 cm3. Therefore,
p∆V = (1.0 × 105 Pa) × (34 − 37) × 10− 6 m3 = −0.3 J
(because 1 Pa m3 = 1 J). Hence,
∆H − ∆U = −0.3 J
which is only 0.1 per cent of the value of ∆U. We see that it is usually justifiable to
ignore the difference between the enthalpy and internal energy of condensed
phases, except at very high pressures, when pV is no longer negligible.
Self-test 2.2 Calculate the difference between ∆H and ∆U when 1.0 mol Sn(s, grey)
of density 5.75 g cm−3 changes to Sn(s, white) of density 7.31 g cm−3 at 10.0 bar. At
298 K, ∆H = +2.1 kJ.
[∆H − ∆U = −4.4 J]
The enthalpy of a perfect gas is related to its internal energy by using pV = nRT in
the definition of H:
H = U + pV = U + nRT
(2.20)°
2.5 ENTHALPY
This relation implies that the change of enthalpy in a reaction that produces or consumes gas is
∆H = ∆U + ∆ng RT
(2.21)°
where ∆ng is the change in the amount of gas molecules in the reaction.
Illustration 2.4 The relation between ∆H and ∆U for gas-phase reactions
In the reaction 2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(l), 3 mol of gas-phase molecules is
replaced by 2 mol of liquid-phase molecules, so ∆ng = −3 mol. Therefore, at 298 K,
when RT = 2.5 kJ mol−1, the enthalpy and internal energy changes taking place in
the system are related by
∆H − ∆U = (−3 mol) × RT ≈ −7.4 kJ
Note that the difference is expressed in kilojoules, not joules as in Example 2.2. The
enthalpy change is smaller (in this case, less negative) than the change in internal
energy because, although heat escapes from the system when the reaction occurs,
the system contracts when the liquid is formed, so energy is restored to it from the
surroundings.
Example 2.3 Calculating a change in enthalpy
Water is heated to boiling under a pressure of 1.0 atm. When an electric current of
0.50 A from a 12 V supply is passed for 300 s through a resistance in thermal contact with it, it is found that 0.798 g of water is vaporized. Calculate the molar internal energy and enthalpy changes at the boiling point (373.15 K).
Method Because the vaporization occurs at constant pressure, the enthalpy change
is equal to the heat supplied by the heater. Therefore, the strategy is to calculate the
energy supplied as heat (from q = IV t), express that as an enthalpy change, and
then convert the result to a molar enthalpy change by division by the amount of
H2O molecules vaporized. To convert from enthalpy change to internal energy
change, we assume that the vapour is a perfect gas and use eqn 2.21.
Answer The enthalpy change is
∆H = qp = (0.50 A) × (12 V) × (300 s) = +(0.50 × 12 × 300) J
Here we have used 1 A V s = 1 J (see Comment 2.4). Because 0.798 g of water is
(0.798 g)/(18.02 g mol−1) = (0.798/18.02) mol H2O, the enthalpy of vaporization
per mole of H2O is
∆Hm = +
0.50 × 12 × 300 J
(0.798/18.02) mol
= +41 kJ mol−1
In the process H2O(l) → H2O(g) the change in the amount of gas molecules is
∆ng = +1 mol, so
∆Um = ∆Hm − RT = +38 kJ mol−1
The plus sign is added to positive quantities to emphasize that they represent an
increase in internal energy or enthalpy. Notice that the internal energy change is
smaller than the enthalpy change because energy has been used to drive back the
surrounding atmosphere to make room for the vapour.
43
44
2 THE FIRST LAW
Self-test 2.3 The molar enthalpy of vaporization of benzene at its boiling point
(353.25 K) is 30.8 kJ mol−1. What is the molar internal energy change? For how
long would the same 12 V source need to supply a 0.50 A current in order to
vaporize a 10 g sample?
[+27.9 kJ mol−1, 660 s]
(c) The variation of enthalpy with temperature
Fig. 2.14 The slope of the tangent to a curve
of the enthalpy of a system subjected to a
constant pressure plotted against
temperature is the constant-pressure heat
capacity. The slope may change with
temperature, in which case the heat
capacity varies with temperature. Thus, the
heat capacities at A and B are different. For
gases, at a given temperature the slope of
enthalpy versus temperature is steeper than
that of internal energy versus temperature,
and Cp,m is larger than CV,m.
The enthalpy of a substance increases as its temperature is raised. The relation between the increase in enthalpy and the increase in temperature depends on the conditions (for example, constant pressure or constant volume). The most important
condition is constant pressure, and the slope of the tangent to a plot of enthalpy
against temperature at constant pressure is called the heat capacity at constant pressure, Cp, at a given temperature (Fig. 2.14). More formally:
Cp =
A ∂H D
C ∂T F p
[2.22]
The heat capacity at constant pressure is the analogue of the heat capacity at constant
volume, and is an extensive property.4 The molar heat capacity at constant pressure,
Cp,m, is the heat capacity per mole of material; it is an intensive property.
The heat capacity at constant pressure is used to relate the change in enthalpy to a
change in temperature. For infinitesimal changes of temperature,
dH = CpdT
(at constant pressure)
(2.23a)
If the heat capacity is constant over the range of temperatures of interest, then for a
measurable increase in temperature
∆H = Cp ∆T
(at constant pressure)
(2.23b)
Because an increase in enthalpy can be equated with the energy supplied as heat at
constant pressure, the practical form of the latter equation is
qp = Cp ∆T
(2.24)
This expression shows us how to measure the heat capacity of a sample: a measured
quantity of energy is supplied as heat under conditions of constant pressure (as in a
sample exposed to the atmosphere and free to expand), and the temperature rise is
monitored.
The variation of heat capacity with temperature can sometimes be ignored if the
temperature range is small; this approximation is highly accurate for a monatomic
perfect gas (for instance, one of the noble gases at low pressure). However, when it is
necessary to take the variation into account, a convenient approximate empirical
expression is
Cp,m = a + bT +
c
T2
(2.25)
The empirical parameters a, b, and c are independent of temperature (Table 2.2).
4
As in the case of CV , if the system can change its composition it is necessary to distinguish between
equilibrium and fixed-composition values. All applications in this chapter refer to pure substances, so this
complication can be ignored.
2.5 ENTHALPY
45
Synoptic Table 2.2* Temperature variation of molar heat capacities, Cp,m/(J K−1 mol−1) =
a + bT + c/T 2
a
b/(10−3 K)
c/(105 K2)
C(s, graphite)
16.86
4.77
−8.54
CO2(g)
44.22
8.79
−8.62
H2O(l)
75.29
0
N2(g)
28.58
3.77
0
−0.50
* More values are given in the Data section.
Example 2.4 Evaluating an increase in enthalpy with temperature
What is the change in molar enthalpy of N2 when it is heated from 25°C to 100°C?
Use the heat capacity information in Table 2.2.
Method The heat capacity of N2 changes with temperature, so we cannot use eqn
2.23b (which assumes that the heat capacity of the substance is constant). Therefore, we must use eqn 2.23a, substitute eqn 2.25 for the temperature dependence of
the heat capacity, and integrate the resulting expression from 25°C to 100°C.
Answer For convenience, we denote the two temperatures T1 (298 K) and T2 (373 K).
The integrals we require are
#
H(T2)
dH =
H(T1)
#
T2
T1
A
c D
a + bT + 2 dT
C
T F
Notice how the limits of integration correspond on each side of the equation: the
integration over H on the left ranges from H(T1), the value of H at T1, up to H(T2),
the value of H at T2, while on the right the integration over the temperature ranges
from T1 to T2. Now we use the integrals
#dx = x + constant #x dx = –x + constant # x
1 2
2
dx
2
=−
1
x
+ constant
to obtain
H(T2) − H(T1) = a(T2 − T1) + –12 b(T 22 − T 12) − c
A 1
1D
−
C T2 T1 F
Substitution of the numerical data results in
H(373 K) = H(298 K) + 2.20 kJ mol−1
If we had assumed a constant heat capacity of 29.14 J K−1 mol−1 (the value given
by eqn 2.25 at 25°C), we would have found that the two enthalpies differed by
2.19 kJ mol−1.
Self-test 2.4 At very low temperatures the heat capacity of a solid is proportional
to T 3, and we can write Cp = aT 3. What is the change in enthalpy of such a substance
when it is heated from 0 to a temperature T (with T close to 0)?
[∆H = –14 aT 4]
Most systems expand when heated at constant pressure. Such systems do work on
the surroundings and therefore some of the energy supplied to them as heat escapes
Comment 2.6
Integrals commonly encountered in
physical chemistry are listed inside the
front cover.
46
2 THE FIRST LAW
back to the surroundings. As a result, the temperature of the system rises less than
when the heating occurs at constant volume. A smaller increase in temperature
implies a larger heat capacity, so we conclude that in most cases the heat capacity at
constant pressure of a system is larger than its heat capacity at constant volume.
We show later (Section 2.11) that there is a simple relation between the two heat
capacities of a perfect gas:
Cp − CV = nR
(2.26)°
It follows that the molar heat capacity of a perfect gas is about 8 J K−1 mol−1 larger at
constant pressure than at constant volume. Because the heat capacity at constant volume of a monatomic gas is about 12 J K−1 mol−1, the difference is highly significant
and must be taken into account.
IMPACT ON BIOCHEMISTRY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE
I2.1 Differential scanning calorimetry
A differential scanning calorimeter.
The sample and a reference material are
heated in separate but identical metal heat
sinks. The output is the difference in power
needed to maintain the heat sinks at equal
temperatures as the temperature rises.
Fig. 2.15
A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measures the energy transferred as heat to or
from a sample at constant pressure during a physical or chemical change. The term
‘differential’ refers to the fact that the behaviour of the sample is compared to that of
a reference material which does not undergo a physical or chemical change during the
analysis. The term ‘scanning’ refers to the fact that the temperatures of the sample and
reference material are increased, or scanned, during the analysis.
A DSC consists of two small compartments that are heated electrically at a constant
rate. The temperature, T, at time t during a linear scan is T = T0 + αt, where T0 is the
initial temperature and α is the temperature scan rate (in kelvin per second, K s−1). A
computer controls the electrical power output in order to maintain the same temperature in the sample and reference compartments throughout the analysis (see Fig. 2.15).
The temperature of the sample changes significantly relative to that of the reference
material if a chemical or physical process involving the transfer of energy as heat
occurs in the sample during the scan. To maintain the same temperature in both
compartments, excess energy is transferred as heat to or from the sample during the
process. For example, an endothermic process lowers the temperature of the sample
relative to that of the reference and, as a result, the sample must be heated more
strongly than the reference in order to maintain equal temperatures.
If no physical or chemical change occurs in the sample at temperature T, we write
the heat transferred to the sample as qp = Cp ∆T, where ∆T = T − T0 and we have
assumed that Cp is independent of temperature. The chemical or physical process
requires the transfer of qp + qp,ex, where qp,ex is excess energy transferred as heat, to
attain the same change in temperature of the sample. We interpret qp,ex in terms of an
apparent change in the heat capacity at constant pressure of the sample, Cp, during the
temperature scan. Then we write the heat capacity of the sample as Cp + Cp,ex, and
qp + qp,ex = (Cp + Cp,ex)∆T
It follows that
Fig. 2.16 A thermogram for the protein
ubiquitin at pH = 2.45. The protein retains
its native structure up to about 45oC and
then undergoes an endothermic
conformational change. (Adapted from B.
Chowdhry and S. LeHarne, J. Chem. Educ.
74, 236 (1997).)
Cp,ex =
qp,ex
∆T
=
qp,ex
αt
=
Pex
α
where Pex = qp,ex /t is the excess electrical power necessary to equalize the temperature
of the sample and reference compartments.
A DSC trace, also called a thermogram, consists of a plot of Pex or Cp,ex against T (see
Fig. 2.16). Broad peaks in the thermogram indicate processes requiring transfer of
energy as heat. From eqn 2.23a, the enthalpy change associated with the process is
2.6 ADIABATIC CHANGES
∆H =
#
47
T2
Cp,exdT
T1
where T1 and T2 are, respectively, the temperatures at which the process begins and
ends. This relation shows that the enthalpy change is then the area under the curve of
Cp,ex against T. With a DSC, enthalpy changes may be determined in samples of
masses as low as 0.5 mg, which is a significant advantage over bomb or flame
calorimeters, which require several grams of material.
Differential scanning calorimetry is used in the chemical industry to characterize
polymers and in the biochemistry laboratory to assess the stability of proteins, nucleic
acids, and membranes. Large molecules, such as synthetic or biological polymers,
attain complex three-dimensional structures due to intra- and intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions (Chapter 18).
Disruption of these interactions is an endothermic process that can be studied with a
DSC. For example, the thermogram shown in the illustration indicated that the protein ubiquitin retains its native structure up to about 45°C. At higher temperatures,
the protein undergoes an endothermic conformational change that results in the loss
of its three-dimensional structure. The same principles also apply to the study of
structural integrity and stability of synthetic polymers, such as plastics.
2.6 Adiabatic changes
We are now equipped to deal with the changes that occur when a perfect gas expands
adiabatically. A decrease in temperature should be expected: because work is done but
no heat enters the system, the internal energy falls, and therefore the temperature of
the working gas also falls. In molecular terms, the kinetic energy of the molecules falls
as work is done, so their average speed decreases, and hence the temperature falls.
The change in internal energy of a perfect gas when the temperature is changed
from Ti to Tf and the volume is changed from Vi to Vf can be expressed as the sum of
two steps (Fig. 2.17). In the first step, only the volume changes and the temperature is
held constant at its initial value. However, because the internal energy of a perfect
gas is independent of the volume the molecules occupy, the overall change in internal
energy arises solely from the second step, the change in temperature at constant
volume. Provided the heat capacity is independent of temperature, this change is
∆U = CV (Tf − Ti) = CV ∆T
Because the expansion is adiabatic, we know that q = 0; because ∆U = q + w, it then
follows that ∆U = wad. The subscript ‘ad’ denotes an adiabatic process. Therefore,
by equating the two values we have obtained for ∆U, we obtain
wad = CV ∆T
(2.27)
That is, the work done during an adiabatic expansion of a perfect gas is proportional
to the temperature difference between the initial and final states. That is exactly what
we expect on molecular grounds, because the mean kinetic energy is proportional
to T, so a change in internal energy arising from temperature alone is also expected
to be proportional to ∆T. In Further information 2.1 we show that the initial and
final temperatures of a perfect gas that undergoes reversible adiabatic expansion
(reversible expansion in a thermally insulated container) can be calculated from
A Vi D
Tf = Ti
C Vf F
1/c
(2.28a)°rev
Fig. 2.17 To achieve a change of state from
one temperature and volume to another
temperature and volume, we may consider
the overall change as composed of two
steps. In the first step, the system expands
at constant temperature; there is no change
in internal energy if the system consists of a
perfect gas. In the second step, the
temperature of the system is reduced at
constant volume. The overall change in
internal energy is the sum of the changes
for the two steps.
48
2 THE FIRST LAW
where c = CV,m/R, or equivalently
ViT ci = VfT fc
(2.28b)°rev
This result is often summarized in the form VT = constant.
c
Illustration 2.5 Work of adiabatic expansion
Consider the adiabatic, reversible expansion of 0.020 mol Ar, initially at 25°C,
from 0.50 dm3 to 1.00 dm3. The molar heat capacity of argon at constant volume is
12.48 J K−1 mol−1, so c = 1.501. Therefore, from eqn 2.28a,
A 0.50 dm3 D
Tf = (298 K) ×
C 1.00 dm3 F
1/1.501
= 188 K
It follows that ∆T = −110 K, and therefore, from eqn 2.27, that
w = {(0.020 mol) × (12.48 J K−1 mol−1)} × (−110 K) = −27 J
Note that temperature change is independent of the amount of gas but the work
is not.
Self-test 2.5 Calculate the final temperature, the work done, and the change of
internal energy when ammonia is used in a reversible adiabatic expansion from
0.50 dm3 to 2.00 dm3, the other initial conditions being the same.
[195 K, −56 J, −56 J]
We also show in Further information 2.1 that the pressure of a perfect gas that
undergoes reversible adiabatic expansion from a volume Vi to a volume Vf is related
to its initial pressure by
pfV γf = piV γi
(2.29)°rev
γ
Fig. 2.18 An adiabat depicts the variation of
pressure with volume when a gas expands
adiabatically. (a) An adiabat for a perfect
gas undergoing reversible expansion.
(b) Note that the pressure declines more
steeply for an adiabat than it does for an
isotherm because the temperature
decreases in the former.
Exploration Explore how the
parameter γ affects the dependence
of the pressure on the volume. Does the
pressure–volume dependence become
stronger or weaker with increasing volume?
where γ = Cp,m/CV,m. This result is summarized in the form pV = constant. For a
monatomic perfect gas, CV,m = –23 R (see Illustration 2.3), and from eqn 2.26 Cp,m = –52 R;
so γ = –35 . For a gas of nonlinear polyatomic molecules (which can rotate as well as
translate), CV,m = 3R, so γ = –43 . The curves of pressure versus volume for adiabatic
change are known as adiabats, and one for a reversible path is illustrated in Fig. 2.18.
Because γ > 1, an adiabat falls more steeply (p ∝ 1/V γ ) than the corresponding
isotherm (p ∝ 1/V). The physical reason for the difference is that, in an isothermal
expansion, energy flows into the system as heat and maintains the temperature; as a
result, the pressure does not fall as much as in an adiabatic expansion.
Illustration 2.6 The pressure change accompanying adiabatic expansion
When a sample of argon (for which γ = –35 ) at 100 kPa expands reversibly and adiabatically to twice its initial volume the final pressure will be
A Vi D
A 1D
pf =
pi =
C Vf F
C 2F
γ
5/3
× (100 kPa) = 32 kPa
For an isothermal doubling of volume, the final pressure would be 50 kPa.
2.7 STANDARD ENTHALPY CHANGES
Thermochemistry
The study of the energy transferred as heat during the course of chemical reactions is
called thermochemistry. Thermochemistry is a branch of thermodynamics because
a reaction vessel and its contents form a system, and chemical reactions result in the
exchange of energy between the system and the surroundings. Thus we can use
calorimetry to measure the energy supplied or discarded as heat by a reaction, and can
identify q with a change in internal energy (if the reaction occurs at constant volume)
or a change in enthalpy (if the reaction occurs at constant pressure). Conversely, if
we know ∆U or ∆H for a reaction, we can predict the energy (transferred as heat) the
reaction can produce.
We have already remarked that a process that releases energy by heating the surroundings is classified as exothermic and one that absorbs energy by cooling the surroundings is classified as endothermic. Because the release of energy by heating the
surroundings signifies a decrease in the enthalpy of a system (at constant pressure), we
can now see that an exothermic process at constant pressure is one for which ∆H < 0.
Conversely, because the absorption of energy by cooling the surroundings results in
an increase in enthalpy, an endothermic process at constant pressure has ∆H > 0.
2.7 Standard enthalpy changes
Changes in enthalpy are normally reported for processes taking place under a set
of standard conditions. In most of our discussions we shall consider the standard
enthalpy change, ∆H 7, the change in enthalpy for a process in which the initial and
final substances are in their standard states:
The standard state of a substance at a specified temperature is its pure form at
1 bar.5
For example, the standard state of liquid ethanol at 298 K is pure liquid ethanol at
298 K and 1 bar; the standard state of solid iron at 500 K is pure iron at 500 K and
1 bar. The standard enthalpy change for a reaction or a physical process is the difference between the products in their standard states and the reactants in their standard
states, all at the same specified temperature.
As an example of a standard enthalpy change, the standard enthalpy of vaporization,
∆vapH 7, is the enthalpy change per mole when a pure liquid at 1 bar vaporizes to a gas
at 1 bar, as in
H2O(l) → H2O(g)
∆ vapH 7(373 K) = +40.66 kJ mol−1
As implied by the examples, standard enthalpies may be reported for any temperature. However, the conventional temperature for reporting thermodynamic data is
298.15 K (corresponding to 25.00°C). Unless otherwise mentioned, all thermodynamic data in this text will refer to this conventional temperature.
A note on good practice The attachment of the name of the transition to the
symbol ∆, as in ∆ vapH, is the modern convention. However, the older convention,
∆Hvap, is still widely used. The new convention is more logical because the subscript identifies the type of change, not the physical observable related to the change.
5
The definition of standard state is more sophisticated for a real gas (Further information 3.2) and for
solutions (Sections 5.6 and 5.7).
49
50
2 THE FIRST LAW
Synoptic Table 2.3* Standard enthalpies of fusion and vaporization at the transition
temperature, ∆trsH 7/(kJ mol−1)
Tf /K
Ar
83.81
C6H6
278.61
H2O
273.15
3.5
He
Fusion
1.188
10.59
Tb/K
87.29
Vaporization
6.506
353.2
30.8
6.008
373.15
40.656 (44.016 at 298 K)
0.021
4.22
0.084
* More values are given in the Data section.
(a) Enthalpies of physical change
The standard enthalpy change that accompanies a change of physical state is called the
standard enthalpy of transition and is denoted ∆ trsH 7 (Table 2.3). The standard
enthalpy of vaporization, ∆vapH 7, is one example. Another is the standard enthalpy
of fusion, ∆fusH 7, the standard enthalpy change accompanying the conversion of a
solid to a liquid, as in
H2O(s) → H2O(l)
∆fusH 7(273 K) = +6.01 kJ mol−1
As in this case, it is sometimes convenient to know the standard enthalpy change at the
transition temperature as well as at the conventional temperature.
Because enthalpy is a state function, a change in enthalpy is independent of the path
between the two states. This feature is of great importance in thermochemistry, for it
implies that the same value of ∆H 7 will be obtained however the change is brought
about between the same initial and final states. For example, we can picture the conversion of a solid to a vapour either as occurring by sublimation (the direct conversion
from solid to vapour),
H2O(s) → H2O(g)
∆subH 7
or as occurring in two steps, first fusion (melting) and then vaporization of the resulting liquid:
H2O(s) → H2O(l)
∆ fusH 7
H2O(l) → H2O(g)
∆ vapH 7
Overall: H2O(s) → H2O(g)
∆fusH 7 + ∆ vapH 7
Because the overall result of the indirect path is the same as that of the direct path, the
overall enthalpy change is the same in each case (1), and we can conclude that (for
processes occurring at the same temperature)
∆subH 7 = ∆ fusH 7 + ∆ vapH 7
(2.30)
An immediate conclusion is that, because all enthalpies of fusion are positive, the
enthalpy of sublimation of a substance is greater than its enthalpy of vaporization (at
a given temperature).
Another consequence of H being a state function is that the standard enthalpy
changes of a forward process and its reverse differ in sign (2):
∆H 7(A → B) = −∆H 7(B → A)
(2.31)
For instance, because the enthalpy of vaporization of water is +44 kJ mol−1 at 298 K,
its enthalpy of condensation at that temperature is −44 kJ mol−1.
2.7 STANDARD ENTHALPY CHANGES
Table 2.4 Enthalpies of transition
Transition
Process
Symbol*
Transition
Phase α → phase β
∆trsH
Fusion
s→l
∆fusH
Vaporization
l→g
∆vapH
Sublimation
s→g
∆subH
Mixing
Pure → mixture
∆mixH
∆solH
Solution
Solute → solution
Hydration
X±(g) → X±(aq)
∆hydH
Atomization
Species(s, l, g) → atoms(g)
∆atH
Ionization
X(g) → X+(g) + e−(g)
∆ionH
−
−
Electron gain
X(g) + e (g) → X (g)
Reaction
Reactants → products
∆egH
∆rH
Combustion
Compounds(s, l, g) + O2(g) → CO2(g), H2O(l, g)
∆cH
Formation
Elements → compound
∆fH
Activation
Reactants → activated complex
∆‡H
* IUPAC recommendations. In common usage, the transition subscript is often attached to ∆H, as in ∆Htrs.
The different types of enthalpies encountered in thermochemistry are summarized
in Table 2.4. We shall meet them again in various locations throughout the text.
(b) Enthalpies of chemical change
Now we consider enthalpy changes that accompany chemical reactions. There are two
ways of reporting the change in enthalpy that accompanies a chemical reaction. One
is to write the thermochemical equation, a combination of a chemical equation and
the corresponding change in standard enthalpy:
CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l)
∆H 7 = −890 kJ
∆H 7 is the change in enthalpy when reactants in their standard states change to products in their standard states:
Pure, separate reactants in their standard states
→ pure, separate products in their standard states
Except in the case of ionic reactions in solution, the enthalpy changes accompanying
mixing and separation are insignificant in comparison with the contribution from the
reaction itself. For the combustion of methane, the standard value refers to the reaction in which 1 mol CH4 in the form of pure methane gas at 1 bar reacts completely
with 2 mol O2 in the form of pure oxygen gas to produce 1 mol CO2 as pure carbon
dioxide at 1 bar and 2 mol H2O as pure liquid water at 1 bar; the numerical value is for
the reaction at 298 K.
Alternatively, we write the chemical equation and then report the standard reaction
enthalpy, ∆r H 7. Thus, for the combustion of reaction, we write
CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l)
For the reaction
2A+B→3C+D
∆ r H 7 = −890 kJ mol−1
51
52
2 THE FIRST LAW
Synoptic Table 2.5* Standard enthalpies of formation and combustion of organic
compounds at 298 K
∆ f H 7/(kJ mol−1)
∆ c H 7/(kJ mol−1)
Benzene, C6H6(l)
+49.0
−3268
Ethane, C2H6(g)
−84.7
−1560
−1274
Glucose, C6H12O6(s)
Methane, CH4(g)
Methanol, CH3OH(l)
−2808
−74.8
−890
−238.7
−721
* More values are given in the Data section.
the standard reaction enthalpy is
∆ r H 7 = {3Hm7 (C) + Hm7 (D)} − {2Hm7 (A) + Hm7 (B)}
where Hm7 (J) is the standard molar enthalpy of species J at the temperature of interest.
Note how the ‘per mole’ of ∆ r H 7 comes directly from the fact that molar enthalpies
appear in this expression. We interpret the ‘per mole’ by noting the stoichiometic
coefficients in the chemical equation. In this case ‘per mole’ in ∆ r H 7 means ‘per 2 mol
A’, ‘per mole B’, ‘per 3 mol C’, or ‘per mol D’. In general,
∆r H 7 =
∑ νH m7 − ∑ νH m7
Products
(2.32)
Reactants
where in each case the molar enthalpies of the species are multiplied by their stoichiometric coefficients, ν.6
Some standard reaction enthalpies have special names and a particular significance.
For instance, the standard enthalpy of combustion, ∆c H 7, is the standard reaction
enthalpy for the complete oxidation of an organic compound to CO2 gas and liquid
H2O if the compound contains C, H, and O, and to N2 gas if N is also present. An
example is the combustion of glucose:
C6H12O6(s) + 6 O2(g) → 6 CO2(g) + 6 H2O(l)
∆c H 7 = −2808 kJ mol−1
The value quoted shows that 2808 kJ of heat is released when 1 mol C6H12O6 burns
under standard conditions (at 298 K). Some further values are listed in Table 2.5.
IMPACT ON BIOLOGY
I2.2 Food and energy reserves
The thermochemical properties of fuels Table 2.6 and foods are commonly discussed
in terms of their specific enthalpy, the enthalpy of combustion per gram of material.
Thus, if the standard enthalpy of combustion is ∆c H 7 and the molar mass of the compound is M, then the specific enthalpy is ∆c H 7/M. Table 2.6 lists the specific enthalpies
of several fuels.
A typical 18–20 year old man requires a daily input of about 12 MJ; a woman of the
same age needs about 9 MJ. If the entire consumption were in the form of glucose
(3; which has a specific enthalpy of 16 kJ g−1), that would require the consumption of
750 g of glucose for a man and 560 g for a woman. In fact, digestible carbohydrates
have a slightly higher specific enthalpy (17 kJ g−1) than glucose itself, so a carbohydrate
6
In this and similar expressions, all stoichiometric coefficients are positive. For a more sophisticated way
of writing eqn 2.32, see Section 7.2.
2.7 STANDARD ENTHALPY CHANGES
Table 2.6 Thermochemical properties of some fuels
Fuel
Combustion equation
Hydrogen
H2(g) + –12 O2(g)
→ H2O(l)
Methane
CH4(g) + 2 O2(g)
→ CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l)
Octane
–2 O2(g)
C8H18(l) + –25
→ 8 CO2(g) + 9 H2O(l)
Methanol
CH3OH(l) + –32 O2(g)
→ CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l)
∆ c H 7/
(kJ mol−1)
Specific enthalpy/
(kJ g−1)
Enthalpy density/
(kJ dm−3)
−286
142
13
−890
55
40
−5471
48
3.8 × 104
−726
23
1.8 × 104
diet is slightly less daunting than a pure glucose diet, as well as being more appropriate in the form of fibre, the indigestible cellulose that helps move digestion products
through the intestine.
The specific enthalpy of fats, which are long-chain esters like tristearin (beef fat), is
much greater than that of carbohydrates, at around 38 kJ g−1, slightly less than the value
for the hydrocarbon oils used as fuel (48 kJ g−1). Fats are commonly used as an energy
store, to be used only when the more readily accessible carbohydrates have fallen into
short supply. In Arctic species, the stored fat also acts as a layer of insulation; in desert
species (such as the camel), the fat is also a source of water, one of its oxidation products.
Proteins are also used as a source of energy, but their components, the amino
acids, are often too valuable to squander in this way, and are used to construct other
proteins instead. When proteins are oxidized (to urea, CO(NH2)2), the equivalent
enthalpy density is comparable to that of carbohydrates.
The heat released by the oxidation of foods needs to be discarded in order to
maintain body temperature within its typical range of 35.6–37.8°C. A variety of
mechanisms contribute to this aspect of homeostasis, the ability of an organism to
counteract environmental changes with physiological responses. The general uniformity of temperature throughout the body is maintained largely by the flow of
blood. When heat needs to be dissipated rapidly, warm blood is allowed to flow
through the capillaries of the skin, so producing flushing. Radiation is one means of
discarding heat; another is evaporation and the energy demands of the enthalpy of
vaporization of water. Evaporation removes about 2.4 kJ per gram of water perspired.
When vigorous exercise promotes sweating (through the influence of heat selectors
on the hypothalamus), 1–2 dm3 of perspired water can be produced per hour, corresponding to a heat loss of 2.4–5.0 MJ h−1.
(c) Hess’s law
Standard enthalpies of individual reactions can be combined to obtain the enthalpy of
another reaction. This application of the First Law is called Hess’s law:
The standard enthalpy of an overall reaction is the sum of the standard enthalpies
of the individual reactions into which a reaction may be divided.
The individual steps need not be realizable in practice: they may be hypothetical
reactions, the only requirement being that their chemical equations should balance.
The thermodynamic basis of the law is the path-independence of the value of ∆r H 7
and the implication that we may take the specified reactants, pass through any (possibly hypothetical) set of reactions to the specified products, and overall obtain the
same change of enthalpy. The importance of Hess’s law is that information about a
53
54
2 THE FIRST LAW
reaction of interest, which may be difficult to determine directly, can be assembled
from information on other reactions.
Example 2.5 Using Hess’s law
The standard reaction enthalpy for the hydrogenation of propene,
CH2 =CHCH3(g) + H2(g) → CH3CH2CH3(g)
is −124 kJ mol−1. The standard reaction enthalpy for the combustion of propane,
CH3CH2CH3(g) + 5 O2(g) → 3 CO2(g) + 4 H2O(l)
is −2220 kJ mol−1. Calculate the standard enthalpy of combustion of propene.
Method The skill to develop is the ability to assemble a given thermochemical
equation from others. Add or subtract the reactions given, together with any
others needed, so as to reproduce the reaction required. Then add or subtract the
reaction enthalpies in the same way. Additional data are in Table 2.5.
Answer The combustion reaction we require is
C3H6(g) + –92 O2(g) → 3 CO2(g) + 3 H2O(l)
This reaction can be recreated from the following sum:
∆r H 7/(kJ mol−1)
C3H6(g) + H2(g) → C3H8(g)
C3H8(g) + 5 O2(g) → 3 CO2(g) + 4 H2O(l)
H2O(l) → H2(g) +
–12
O2(g)
C3H6(g) + –92 O2(g) → 3 CO2(g) + 3 H2O(l)
Synoptic Table 2.7* Standard
enthalpies of formation of inorganic
compounds at 298 K
−124
−2220
+286
−2058
Self-test 2.6 Calculate the enthalpy of hydrogenation of benzene from its enthalpy
of combustion and the enthalpy of combustion of cyclohexane.
[−205 kJ mol−1]
∆f H 7/(kJ mol−1)
H2O(l)
−285.83
H2O(g)
−187.78
NH3(g)
−46.11
N2H4(l)
+50.63
NO2(g)
33.18
N2O4(g)
+9.16
NaCl(s)
−411.15
KCl(s)
−436.75
* More values are given in the Data section.
Comment 2.7
The NIST WebBook listed in the web
site for this book links to online
databases of thermochemical data.
2.8 Standard enthalpies of formation
The standard enthalpy of formation, ∆f H 7, of a substance is the standard reaction
enthalpy for the formation of the compound from its elements in their reference
states. The reference state of an element is its most stable state at the specified temperature and 1 bar. For example, at 298 K the reference state of nitrogen is a gas of N2
molecules, that of mercury is liquid mercury, that of carbon is graphite, and that of tin
is the white (metallic) form. There is one exception to this general prescription of reference states: the reference state of phosphorus is taken to be white phosphorus despite
this allotrope not being the most stable form but simply the more reproducible form
of the element. Standard enthalpies of formation are expressed as enthalpies per mole
of molecules or (for ionic substances) formula units of the compound. The standard
enthalpy of formation of liquid benzene at 298 K, for example, refers to the reaction
6 C(s, graphite) + 3 H2(g) → C6H6(l)
and is +49.0 kJ mol−1. The standard enthalpies of formation of elements in their reference states are zero at all temperatures because they are the enthalpies of such ‘null’
reactions as N2(g) → N2(g). Some enthalpies of formation are listed in Tables 2.5 and 2.7.
2.8 STANDARD ENTHALPIES OF FORMATION
The standard enthalpy of formation of ions in solution poses a special problem
because it is impossible to prepare a solution of cations alone or of anions alone. This
problem is solved by defining one ion, conventionally the hydrogen ion, to have zero
standard enthalpy of formation at all temperatures:
∆ f H 7(H+, aq) = 0
[2.33]
Thus, if the enthalpy of formation of HBr(aq) is found to be −122 kJ mol−1, then the
whole of that value is ascribed to the formation of Br−(aq), and we write ∆ f H 7(Br−, aq)
= −122 kJ mol−1. That value may then be combined with, for instance, the enthalpy
formation of AgBr(aq) to determine the value of ∆ f H 7(Ag+, aq), and so on. In essence,
this definition adjusts the actual values of the enthalpies of formation of ions by a fixed
amount, which is chosen so that the standard value for one of them, H+(aq), has the
value zero.
(a) The reaction enthalpy in terms of enthalpies of formation
Conceptually, we can regard a reaction as proceeding by decomposing the reactants
into their elements and then forming those elements into the products. The value of
∆ r H 7 for the overall reaction is the sum of these ‘unforming’ and forming enthalpies.
Because ‘unforming’ is the reverse of forming, the enthalpy of an unforming step is
the negative of the enthalpy of formation (4). Hence, in the enthalpies of formation of
substances, we have enough information to calculate the enthalpy of any reaction by
using
∆rH 7 =
∑ν∆f H 7 − ∑ν∆f H 7
Products
(2.34)
Reactants
where in each case the enthalpies of formation of the species that occur are multiplied
by their stoichiometric coefficients.
Illustration 2.7 Using standard enthalpies of formation
The standard reaction enthalpy of 2 HN3(l) + 2 NO(g) → H2O2(l) + 4 N2(g) is calculated as follows:
∆r H 7 = {∆f H 7(H2O2,l) + 4∆f H 7(N2,g)} − {2∆f H 7(HN3,l) + 2∆f H 7(NO,g)}
= {−187.78 + 4(0)} kJ mol−1 − {2(264.0) + 2(90.25)} kJ mol−1
= −896.3 kJ mol−1
(b) Enthalpies of formation and molecular modelling
We have seen how to construct standard reaction enthalpies by combining standard
enthalpies of formation. The question that now arises is whether we can construct
standard enthalpies of formation from a knowledge of the chemical constitution
of the species. The short answer is that there is no thermodynamically exact way of
expressing enthalpies of formation in terms of contributions from individual atoms
and bonds. In the past, approximate procedures based on mean bond enthalpies,
∆H(A-B), the average enthalpy change associated with the breaking of a specific
A-B bond,
A-B(g) → A(g) + B(g)
∆H(A-B)
55
56
2 THE FIRST LAW
have been used. However, this procedure is notoriously unreliable, in part because
the ∆H(A-B) are average values for a series of related compounds. Nor does the
approach distinguish between geometrical isomers, where the same atoms and bonds
may be present but experimentally the enthalpies of formation might be significantly
different.
Computer-aided molecular modelling has largely displaced this more primitive
approach. Commercial software packages use the principles developed in Chapter 11
to calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of a molecule drawn on the computer
screen. These techniques can be applied to different conformations of the same
molecule. In the case of methylcyclohexane, for instance, the calculated conformational energy difference ranges from 5.9 to 7.9 kJ mol−1, with the equatorial conformer
having the lower standard enthalpy of formation. These estimates compare favourably with the experimental value of 7.5 kJ mol−1. However, good agreement between
calculated and experimental values is relatively rare. Computational methods almost
always predict correctly which conformer is more stable but do not always predict the
correct magnitude of the conformational energy difference.
An illustration of the content of
Kirchhoff’s law. When the temperature is
increased, the enthalpy of the products and
the reactants both increase, but may do so
to different extents. In each case, the
change in enthalpy depends on the heat
capacities of the substances. The change in
reaction enthalpy reflects the difference in
the changes of the enthalpies.
Fig. 2.19
2.9 The temperature-dependence of reaction enthalpies
The standard enthalpies of many important reactions have been measured at different temperatures. However, in the absence of this information, standard reaction
enthalpies at different temperatures may be calculated from heat capacities and the
reaction enthalpy at some other temperature (Fig. 2.19). In many cases heat capacity
data are more accurate that reaction enthalpies so, providing the information is available, the procedure we are about to describe is more accurate that a direct measurement of a reaction enthalpy at an elevated temperature.
It follows from eqn 2.23a that, when a substance is heated from T1 to T2, its enthalpy changes from H(T1) to
H(T2) = H(T1) +
#
T2
CpdT
(2.35)
T1
(We have assumed that no phase transition takes place in the temperature range of
interest.) Because this equation applies to each substance in the reaction, the standard
reaction enthalpy changes from ∆rH 7(T1) to
∆ r H 7(T2) = ∆r H 7(T1) +
#
T2
∆rC 7pdT
(2.36)
T1
where ∆rC p7 is the difference of the molar heat capacities of products and reactants
under standard conditions weighted by the stoichiometric coefficients that appear in
the chemical equation:
∆ rC 7p =
∑ν C 7p,m − ∑ν C 7p,m
Products
[2.37]
Reactants
Equation 2.36 is known as Kirchhoff’s law. It is normally a good approximation to
assume that ∆rCp is independent of the temperature, at least over reasonably limited
ranges, as illustrated in the following example. Although the individual heat capacities
may vary, their difference varies less significantly. In some cases the temperature
dependence of heat capacities is taken into account by using eqn 2.25.
2.10 EXACT AND INEXACT DIFFERENTIALS
57
Example 2.6 Using Kirchhoff’s law
The standard enthalpy of formation of gaseous H2O at 298 K is −241.82 kJ mol−1.
Estimate its value at 100°C given the following values of the molar heat capacities
at constant pressure: H2O(g): 33.58 J K−1 mol−1; H2(g): 28.84 J K−1 mol−1; O2(g):
29.37 J K−1 mol−1. Assume that the heat capacities are independent of temperature.
Method When ∆C 7p is independent of temperature in the range T1 to T2, the
integral in eqn 2.36 evaluates to (T2 − T1)∆rC 7p. Therefore,
∆r H 7(T2) = ∆r H 7(T1) + (T2 − T1)∆rC 7p
To proceed, write the chemical equation, identify the stoichiometric coefficients,
and calculate ∆rC 7p from the data.
Answer The reaction is H2(g) + –12 O2(g) → H2O(g), so
7
7
7
∆rC 7p = C p,m
(H2O, g) − {C p,m
(H2, g) + –12 C p,m
(O2, g)} = −9.94 J K−1 mol−1
It then follows that
∆ f H 7(373 K) = −241.82 kJ mol−1 + (75 K) × (−9.94 J K−1 mol−1) = −242.6 kJ mol−1
Self-test 2.7 Estimate the standard enthalpy of formation of cyclohexene at 400 K
from the data in Table 2.5.
[−163 kJ mol−1]
State functions and exact differentials
We saw in Section 2.2 that a ‘state function’ is a property that is independent of how a
sample is prepared. In general, such properties are functions of variables that define
the current state of the system, such as pressure and temperature. The internal energy
and enthalpy are examples of state functions, for they depend on the current state of
the system and are independent of its previous history. Processes that describe the
preparation of the state are called path functions. Examples of path functions are the
work and heating that are done when preparing a state. We do not speak of a system
in a particular state as possessing work or heat. In each case, the energy transferred as
work or heat relates to the path being taken between states, not the current state itself.
We can use the mathematical properties of state functions to draw far-reaching
conclusions about the relations between physical properties and establish connections that may be completely unexpected. The practical importance of these results is
that we can combine measurements of different properties to obtain the value of a
property we require.
2.10 Exact and inexact differentials
Consider a system undergoing the changes depicted in Fig. 2.20. The initial state of the
system is i and in this state the internal energy is Ui. Work is done by the system as it
expands adiabatically to a state f. In this state the system has an internal energy Uf and
the work done on the system as it changes along Path 1 from i to f is w. Notice our
use of language: U is a property of the state; w is a property of the path. Now consider
another process, Path 2, in which the initial and final states are the same as those in
Path 1 but in which the expansion is not adiabatic. The internal energy of both the
Fig. 2.20 As the volume and temperature of
a system are changed, the internal energy
changes. An adiabatic and a non-adiabatic
path are shown as Path 1 and Path 2,
respectively: they correspond to different
values of q and w but to the same value
of ∆U.
58
2 THE FIRST LAW
initial and the final states are the same as before (because U is a state function).
However, in the second path an energy q′ enters the system as heat and the work w′ is
not the same as w. The work and the heat are path functions. In terms of the mountaineering analogy in Section 2.2, the change in altitude (a state function) is
independent of the path, but the distance travelled (a path function) does depend on
the path taken between the fixed endpoints.
If a system is taken along a path (for example, by heating it), U changes from Ui to
Uf, and the overall change is the sum (integral) of all the infinitesimal changes along
the path:
# dU
f
∆U =
(2.38)
i
The value of ∆U depends on the initial and final states of the system but is independent of the path between them. This path-independence of the integral is expressed
by saying that dU is an ‘exact differential’. In general, an exact differential is an
infinitesimal quantity that, when integrated, gives a result that is independent of the
path between the initial and final states.
When a system is heated, the total energy transferred as heat is the sum of all individual contributions at each point of the path:
#
f
q=
dq
(2.39)
i, path
Notice the difference between this equation and eqn 2.38. First, we do not write ∆q,
because q is not a state function and the energy supplied as heat cannot be expressed
as qf − qi. Secondly, we must specify the path of integration because q depends on the
path selected (for example, an adiabatic path has q = 0, whereas a nonadiabatic path
between the same two states would have q ≠ 0). This path-dependence is expressed
by saying that dq is an ‘inexact differential’. In general, an inexact differential is an
infinitesimal quantity that, when integrated, gives a result that depends on the path
between the initial and final states. Often dq is written pq to emphasize that it is inexact and requires the specification of a path.
The work done on a system to change it from one state to another depends on
the path taken between the two specified states; for example, in general the work is
different if the change takes place adiabatically and non-adiabatically. It follows that
dw is an inexact differential. It is often written pw.
Example 2.7 Calculating work, heat, and internal energy
Consider a perfect gas inside a cylinder fitted with a piston. Let the initial state be
T, Vi and the final state be T, Vf. The change of state can be brought about in many
ways, of which the two simplest are the following: Path 1, in which there is free
expansion against zero external pressure; Path 2, in which there is reversible,
isothermal expansion. Calculate w, q, and ∆U for each process.
Method To find a starting point for a calculation in thermodynamics, it is often
a good idea to go back to first principles, and to look for a way of expressing
the quantity we are asked to calculate in terms of other quantities that are easier
to calculate. We saw in Molecular interpretation 2.2 that the internal energy of a
perfect gas depends only on the temperature and is independent of the volume
those molecules occupy, so for any isothermal change, ∆U = 0. We also know that
in general ∆U = q + w. The question depends on being able to combine the two
2.11 CHANGES IN INTERNAL ENERGY
expressions. In this chapter, we derived a number of expressions for the work done
in a variety of processes, and here we need to select the appropriate ones.
Answer Because ∆U = 0 for both paths and ∆U = q + w, in each case q = −w.
The work of free expansion is zero (Section 2.3b); so in Path 1, w = 0 and q = 0. For
Path 2, the work is given by eqn 2.11, so w = −nRT ln(Vf /Vi) and consequently
q = nRT ln(Vf /Vi). These results are consequences of the path independence of U,
a state function, and the path dependence of q and w, which are path functions.
Self-test 2.8 Calculate the values of q, w, and ∆U for an irreversible isothermal
expansion of a perfect gas against a constant nonzero external pressure.
[q = pex ∆V, w = −pex ∆V, ∆U = 0]
2.11 Changes in internal energy
We begin to unfold the consequences of dU being an exact differential by exploring a
closed system of constant composition (the only type of system considered in the rest
of this chapter). The internal energy U can be regarded as a function of V, T, and p,
but, because there is an equation of state, stating the values of two of the variables fixes
the value of the third. Therefore, it is possible to write U in terms of just two independent variables: V and T, p and T, or p and V. Expressing U as a function of volume and
temperature fits the purpose of our discussion.
(a) General considerations
When V changes to V + dV at constant temperature, U changes to
U′ = U +
A ∂U D
dV
C ∂V F T
The coefficient (∂U/∂V)T , the slope of a plot of U against V at constant temperature,
is the partial derivative of U with respect to V (Fig. 2.21). If, instead, T changes to T +
dT at constant volume (Fig. 2.22), then the internal energy changes to
Fig. 2.21 The partial derivative (∂U/∂V)T is
the slope of U with respect to V with the
temperature T held constant.
Fig. 2.22 The partial derivative (∂U/∂T)V is
the slope of U with respect to T with the
volume V held constant.
59
60
2 THE FIRST LAW
U′ = U +
A ∂U D
dT
C ∂T F V
Now suppose that V and T both change infinitesimally (Fig. 2.23). The new internal
energy, neglecting second-order infinitesimals (those proportional to dVdT), is the
sum of the changes arising from each increment:
U′ = U +
A ∂U D
A ∂U D
dV +
dT
C ∂V F T
C ∂T F V
As a result of the infinitesimal changes in conditions, the internal energy U′ differs
from U by the infinitesimal amount dU, so we an write U′ = U + dU. Therefore, from
the last equation we obtain the very important result that
An overall change in U, which is
denoted dU, arises when both V and T
are allowed to change. If second-order
infinitesimals are ignored, the overall
change is the sum of changes for each
variable separately.
Fig. 2.23
dU =
The internal pressure, πT , is the
slope of U with respect to V with the
temperature T held constant.
(2.40)
The interpretation of this equation is that, in a closed system of constant composition,
any infinitesimal change in the internal energy is proportional to the infinitesimal
changes of volume and temperature, the coefficients of proportionality being the two
partial derivatives.
In many cases partial derivatives have a straightforward physical interpretation,
and thermodynamics gets shapeless and difficult only when that interpretation is not
kept in sight. In the present case, we have already met (∂U/∂T)V in eqn 2.15, where we
saw that it is the constant-volume heat capacity, CV. The other coefficient, (∂U/∂V)T,
plays a major role in thermodynamics because it is a measure of the variation of
the internal energy of a substance as its volume is changed at constant temperature
(Fig. 2.24). We shall denote it πT and, because it has the same dimensions as pressure,
call it the internal pressure:
πT =
Fig. 2.24
A ∂U D
A ∂U D
dV +
dT
C ∂V F T
C ∂T F V
A ∂U D
C ∂V F T
[2.41]
In terms of the notation CV and πT, eqn 2.40 can now be written
dU = π T dV + CV dT
(2.42)
(b) The Joule experiment
When there are no interactions between the molecules, the internal energy is independent of their separation and hence independent of the volume of the sample (see
Molecular interpretation 2.2). Therefore, for a perfect gas we can write πT = 0. The
statement πT = 0 (that is, the internal energy is independent of the volume occupied
by the sample) can be taken to be the definition of a perfect gas, for later we shall see
that it implies the equation of state pV = nRT. If the internal energy increases (dU > 0)
as the volume of the sample expands isothermally (dV > 0), which is the case when
there are attractive forces between the particles, then a plot of internal energy against
volume slopes upwards and π T > 0 (Fig. 2.25).
James Joule thought that he could measure π T by observing the change in temperature of a gas when it is allowed to expand into a vacuum. He used two metal vessels
immersed in a water bath (Fig. 2.26). One was filled with air at about 22 atm and the
other was evacuated. He then tried to measure the change in temperature of the water
of the bath when a stopcock was opened and the air expanded into a vacuum. He
observed no change in temperature.
2.11 CHANGES IN INTERNAL ENERGY
Fig. 2.25 For a perfect gas, the internal
energy is independent of the volume (at
constant temperature). If attractions are
dominant in a real gas, the internal energy
increases with volume because the
molecules become farther apart on average.
If repulsions are dominant, the internal
energy decreases as the gas expands.
Fig. 2.26 A schematic diagram of the
apparatus used by Joule in an attempt to
measure the change in internal energy
when a gas expands isothermally. The heat
absorbed by the gas is proportional to the
change in temperature of the bath.
The thermodynamic implications of the experiment are as follows. No work was
done in the expansion into a vacuum, so w = 0. No energy entered or left the system
(the gas) as heat because the temperature of the bath did not change, so q = 0.
Consequently, within the accuracy of the experiment, ∆U = 0. It follows that U does
not change much when a gas expands isothermally and therefore that π T = 0.
Joule’s experiment was crude. In particular, the heat capacity of the apparatus
was so large that the temperature change that gases do in fact cause was too small to
measure. From his experiment Joule extracted an essential limiting property of a gas,
a property of a perfect gas, without detecting the small deviations characteristic of real
gases.
(c) Changes in internal energy at constant pressure
Partial derivatives have many useful properties and some that we shall draw on
frequently are reviewed in Appendix 2. Skilful use of them can often turn some
unfamiliar quantity into a quantity that can be recognized, interpreted, or measured.
As an example, suppose we want to find out how the internal energy varies with
temperature when the pressure of the system is kept constant. If we divide both sides
of eqn 2.42 by dT and impose the condition of constant pressure on the resulting
differentials, so that dU/dT on the left becomes (∂U/∂T)p, we obtain
A ∂U D
A ∂V D
= πT
+ CV
C ∂T F p
C ∂T F p
It is usually sensible in thermodynamics to inspect the output of a manipulation like
this to see if it contains any recognizable physical quantity. The partial derivative on
the right in this expression is the slope of the plot of volume against temperature (at
61
62
2 THE FIRST LAW
Synoptic Table 2.8* Expansion
coefficients (α) and isothermal
compressibilities (κT) at 298 K
Benzene
α /(10−4 K−1)
κ T /(10−6 bar−1)
12.4
90.9
Diamond
0.030
0.185
Lead
0.861
2.18
Water
2.1
49.0
constant pressure). This property is normally tabulated as the expansion coefficient,
α, of a substance,7 which is defined as
α=
1 A ∂V D
[2.43]
V C ∂T F p
and physically is the fractional change in volume that accompanies a rise in temperature. A large value of α means that the volume of the sample responds strongly to
changes in temperature. Table 2.8 lists some experimental values of α and of the
isothermal compressibility, κT (kappa), which is defined as
κT = −
* More values are given in the Data section.
1 A ∂V D
[2.44]
V C ∂p F T
The isothermal compressibility is a measure of the fractional change in volume when
the pressure is increased by a small amount; the negative sign in the definition ensures
that the compressibility is a positive quantity, because an increase of pressure, implying a positive dp, brings about a reduction of volume, a negative dV.
Example 2.8 Calculating the expansion coefficient of a gas
Derive an expression for the expansion coefficient of a perfect gas.
Method The expansion coefficient is defined in eqn 2.43. To use this expression,
substitute the expression for V in terms of T obtained from the equation of state
for the gas. As implied by the subscript in eqn 2.43, the pressure, p, is treated as a
constant.
Answer Because pV = nRT, we can write
α=
1 A ∂(nRT/p) D
VC
∂T
Fp
=
1
V
×
nR dT
p dT
=
nR
pV
=
1
T
The higher the temperature, the less responsive is the volume of a perfect gas to a
change in temperature.
Self-test 2.9 Derive an expression for the isothermal compressibility of a perfect
gas.
[κT. = 1/p]
When we introduce the definition of α into the equation for (∂U/∂T)p, we obtain
A ∂U D
= απTV + CV
C ∂T F p
(2.45)
This equation is entirely general (provided the system is closed and its composition is
constant). It expresses the dependence of the internal energy on the temperature at
constant pressure in terms of CV, which can be measured in one experiment, in terms
of α, which can be measured in another, and in terms of the quantity π T. For a perfect
gas, π T = 0, so then
A ∂U D
= CV
C ∂T F
p
7
(2.46)°
As for heat capacities, the expansion coefficients of a mixture depends on whether or not the composition
is allowed to change. Throughout this chapter, we deal only with pure substances, so this complication can
be disregarded.
2.12 THE JOULE–THOMSON EFFECT
That is, although the constant-volume heat capacity of a perfect gas is defined as the
slope of a plot of internal energy against temperature at constant volume, for a perfect
gas CV is also the slope at constant pressure.
Equation 2.46 provides an easy way to derive the relation between Cp and CV for a
perfect gas expressed in eqn 2.26. Thus, we can use it to express both heat capacities in
terms of derivatives at constant pressure:
Cp − CV =
A ∂H D A ∂U D
−
C ∂T F p C ∂T F p
(2.47)°
Then we introduce H = U + pV = U + nRT into the first term, which results in
Cp − CV =
A ∂U D
A ∂U D
+ nR −
= nR
C ∂T F p
C ∂T F p
(2.48)°
which is eqn 2.26. We show in Further information 2.2 that in general
Cp − CV =
α 2TV
κT
(2.49)
Equation 2.49 applies to any substance (that is, it is ‘universally true’). It reduces to
eqn 2.48 for a perfect gas when we set α = 1/T and κT = 1/p. Because expansion
coefficients α of liquids and solids are small, it is tempting to deduce from eqn 2.49
that for them Cp ≈ CV. But this is not always so, because the compressibility κT might
also be small, so α 2/κT might be large. That is, although only a little work need be done
to push back the atmosphere, a great deal of work may have to be done to pull atoms
apart from one another as the solid expands. As an illustration, for water at 25°C, eqn
2.49 gives Cp,m = 75.3 J K−1 mol−1 compared with CV,m = 74.8 J K−1 mol−1. In some
cases, the two heat capacities differ by as much as 30 per cent.
2.12 The Joule–Thomson effect
We can carry out a similar set of operations on the enthalpy, H = U + pV. The quantities
U, p, and V are all state functions; therefore H is also a state function and dH is an exact
differential. It turns out that H is a useful thermodynamic function when the pressure
is under our control: we saw a sign of that in the relation ∆H = qp (eqn 2.19). We shall
therefore regard H as a function of p and T, and adapt the argument in Section 2.10 to
find an expression for the variation of H with temperature at constant volume. As set
out in Justification 2.2, we find that for a closed system of constant composition,
dH = −µCpdp + CpdT
(2.50)
where the Joule–Thomson coefficient, µ (mu), is defined as
µ=
A ∂T D
C ∂p F H
[2.51]
This relation will prove useful for relating the heat capacities at constant pressure and
volume and for a discussion of the liquefaction of gases.
Justification 2.2 The variation of enthalpy with pressure and temperature
By the same argument that led to eqn 2.40 but with H regarded as a function of p and
T we can write
A ∂H D
A ∂H D
E dp + B
dH = B
E dT
C ∂p F T
C ∂T F p
(2.52)
63
64
2 THE FIRST LAW
The second partial derivative is Cp; our task here is to express (∂H/∂p)T in terms
of recognizable quantities. The chain relation (see Further information 2.2) lets us
write
A ∂H D
1
B
E =−
(∂p/∂T)H (∂T/∂H)p
C ∂p F T
and both partial derivatives can be brought into the numerator by using the
reciprocal identity (see Further information 2.2) twice:
A ∂H D
(∂T/∂p)H A ∂T D A ∂H D
B
E =−
=B
E B
E = −µCp
∂p
(∂T/∂H)
C
FT
p C ∂p F H C ∂T F p
(2.53)
We have used the definitions of the constant-pressure heat capacity, Cp, and the
Joule–Thomson coefficient, µ (eqn 2.51). Equation 2.50 now follows directly.
Fig. 2.27 The apparatus used for measuring
the Joule–Thomson effect. The gas expands
through the porous barrier, which acts as a
throttle, and the whole apparatus is
thermally insulated. As explained in the
text, this arrangement corresponds to an
isenthalpic expansion (expansion at
constant enthalpy). Whether the expansion
results in a heating or a cooling of the gas
depends on the conditions.
The analysis of the Joule–Thomson coefficient is central to the technological problems associated with the liquefaction of gases. We need to be able to interpret it physically and to measure it. As shown in the Justification below, the cunning required to
impose the constraint of constant enthalpy, so that the process is isenthalpic, was
supplied by Joule and William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin). They let a gas expand
through a porous barrier from one constant pressure to another, and monitored
the difference of temperature that arose from the expansion (Fig. 2.27). The whole
apparatus was insulated so that the process was adiabatic. They observed a lower temperature on the low pressure side, the difference in temperature being proportional to
the pressure difference they maintained. This cooling by isenthalpic expansion is now
called the Joule–Thomson effect.
Justification 2.3 The Joule–Thomson effect
Here we show that the experimental arrangement results in expansion at constant
enthalpy. Because all changes to the gas occur adiabatically,
q = 0, which implies ∆U = w
Consider the work done as the gas passes through the barrier. We focus on the passage of a fixed amount of gas from the high pressure side, where the pressure is pi,
the temperature Ti, and the gas occupies a volume Vi (Fig. 2.28). The gas emerges on
the low pressure side, where the same amount of gas has a pressure pf, a temperature
Tf, and occupies a volume Vf. The gas on the left is compressed isothermally by the
upstream gas acting as a piston. The relevant pressure is pi and the volume changes
from Vi to 0; therefore, the work done on the gas is
w1 = −pi(0 − Vi) = piVi
The gas expands isothermally on the right of the barrier (but possibly at a different
constant temperature) against the pressure pf provided by the downstream gas acting as a piston to be driven out. The volume changes from 0 to Vf , so the work done
on the gas in this stage is
w2 = −pf (Vf − 0) = −pfVf
The total work done on the gas is the sum of these two quantities, or
w = w1 + w2 = piVi − pfVf
2.12 THE JOULE–THOMSON EFFECT
65
It follows that the change of internal energy of the gas as it moves adiabatically from
one side of the barrier to the other is
Uf − Ui = w = piVi − pfVf
Reorganization of this expression gives
Uf + pfVf = Ui + piVi, or Hf = Hi
Therefore, the expansion occurs without change of enthalpy.
The property measured in the experiment is the ratio of the temperature change to
the change of pressure, ∆T/∆p. Adding the constraint of constant enthalpy and taking
the limit of small ∆p implies that the thermodynamic quantity measured is (∂T/∂p)H,
which is the Joule–Thomson coefficient, µ. In other words, the physical interpretation
of µ is that it is the ratio of the change in temperature to the change in pressure when
a gas expands under conditions that ensure there is no change in enthalpy.
The modern method of measuring µ is indirect, and involves measuring the
isothermal Joule–Thomson coefficient, the quantity
µT =
A ∂H D
C ∂p F T
[2.54]
which is the slope of a plot of enthalpy against pressure at constant temperature
(Fig. 2.29). Comparing eqns 2.53 and 2.54, we see that the two coefficients are related
by:
µT = −Cp µ
(2.55)
To measure µ T , the gas is pumped continuously at a steady pressure through a heat
exchanger (which brings it to the required temperature), and then through a porous
plug inside a thermally insulated container. The steep pressure drop is measured,
and the cooling effect is exactly offset by an electric heater placed immediately after
the plug (Fig. 2.30). The energy provided by the heater is monitored. Because the
energy transferred as heat can be identified with the value of ∆H for the gas (because
Fig. 2.29 The isothermal Joule–Thomson
coefficient is the slope of the enthalpy with
respect to changing pressure, the
temperature being held constant.
Fig. 2.30 A schematic diagram of the
apparatus used for measuring the
isothermal Joule–Thomson coefficient.
The electrical heating required to offset
the cooling arising from expansion is
interpreted as ∆H and used to calculate
(∂H/∂p)T, which is then converted to µ as
explained in the text.
Fig. 2.28 The thermodynamic basis of
Joule–Thomson expansion. The pistons
represent the upstream and downstream
gases, which maintain constant pressures
either side of the throttle. The transition
from the top diagram to the bottom
diagram, which represents the passage of a
given amount of gas through the throttle,
occurs without change of enthalpy.
66
2 THE FIRST LAW
Synoptic Table 2.9* Inversion
temperatures (TI), normal freezing (Tf) and
boiling (Tb) points, and Joule–Thomson
coefficient (µ) at 1 atm and 298 K
Ar
CO2
TI/K
Tf /K
723
83.8
Tb/K
µ /(K bar−1)
87.3
+1.10
1500
194.7
He
40
4.2
−0.060
N2
621
77.4
+0.25
63.3
* More values are given in the Data section.
Fig. 2.31 The sign of the Joule–Thomson
coefficient, µ, depends on the conditions.
Inside the boundary, the shaded area, it is
positive and outside it is negative. The
temperature corresponding to the
boundary at a given pressure is the
‘inversion temperature’ of the gas at that
pressure. For a given pressure, the
temperature must be below a certain value
if cooling is required but, if it becomes too
low, the boundary is crossed again and
heating occurs. Reduction of pressure
under adiabatic conditions moves the
system along one of the isenthalps, or
curves of constant enthalpy. The inversion
temperature curve runs through the points
of the isenthalps where their slope changes
from negative to positive.
∆H = qp), and the pressure change ∆p is known, we can find µT from the limiting value
of ∆H/∆p as ∆p → 0, and then convert it to µ. Table 2.9 lists some values obtained in
this way.
Real gases have nonzero Joule–Thomson coefficients. Depending on the identity of
the gas, the pressure, the relative magnitudes of the attractive and repulsive intermolecular forces (see Molecular interpretation 2.1), and the temperature, the sign of
the coefficient may be either positive or negative (Fig. 2.31). A positive sign implies
that dT is negative when dp is negative, in which case the gas cools on expansion.
Gases that show a heating effect (µ < 0) at one temperature show a cooling effect
(µ > 0) when the temperature is below their upper inversion temperature, TI
(Table 2.9, Fig. 2.32). As indicated in Fig. 2.32, a gas typically has two inversion temperatures, one at high temperature and the other at low.
The ‘Linde refrigerator’ makes use of Joule–Thompson expansion to liquefy gases
(Fig. 2.33). The gas at high pressure is allowed to expand through a throttle; it cools
and is circulated past the incoming gas. That gas is cooled, and its subsequent expansion cools it still further. There comes a stage when the circulating gas becomes so cold
that it condenses to a liquid.
For a perfect gas, µ = 0; hence, the temperature of a perfect gas is unchanged
by Joule–Thomson expansion.8 This characteristic points clearly to the involvement
of intermolecular forces in determining the size of the effect. However, the Joule–
Thomson coefficient of a real gas does not necessarily approach zero as the pressure is
reduced even though the equation of state of the gas approaches that of a perfect gas.
The coefficient behaves like the properties discussed in Section 1.3b in the sense that
it depends on derivatives and not on p, V, and T themselves.
Fig. 2.32 The inversion temperatures for
three real gases, nitrogen, hydrogen, and
helium.
8
Fig. 2.33 The principle of the Linde
refrigerator is shown in this diagram. The
gas is recirculated, and so long as it is
beneath its inversion temperature it cools
on expansion through the throttle. The
cooled gas cools the high-pressure gas,
which cools still further as it expands.
Eventually liquefied gas drips from the
throttle.
Simple adiabatic expansion does cool a perfect gas, because the gas does work; recall Section 2.6.
CHECKLIST OF KEY IDEAS
67
Molecular interpretation 2.3 Molecular interactions and the Joule–Thomson effect
The kinetic model of gases (Molecular interpretation 1.1) and the equipartition
theorem (Molecular interpretation 2.2) imply that the mean kinetic energy of
molecules in a gas is proportional to the temperature. It follows that reducing the
average speed of the molecules is equivalent to cooling the gas. If the speed of the
molecules can be reduced to the point that neighbours can capture each other by
their intermolecular attractions, then the cooled gas will condense to a liquid.
To slow the gas molecules, we make use of an effect similar to that seen when a
ball is thrown into the air: as it rises it slows in response to the gravitational attraction of the Earth and its kinetic energy is converted into potential energy. We
saw in Section 1.3 that molecules in a real gas attract each other (the attraction is
not gravitational, but the effect is the same). It follows that, if we can cause the
molecules to move apart from each other, like a ball rising from a planet, then they
should slow. It is very easy to move molecules apart from each other: we simply
allow the gas to expand, which increases the average separation of the molecules.
To cool a gas, therefore, we allow it to expand without allowing any energy to enter
from outside as heat. As the gas expands, the molecules move apart to fill the available volume, struggling as they do so against the attraction of their neighbours.
Because some kinetic energy must be converted into potential energy to reach
greater separations, the molecules travel more slowly as their separation increases.
This sequence of molecular events explains the Joule–Thomson effect: the cooling
of a real gas by adiabatic expansion. The cooling effect, which corresponds to
µ > 0, is observed under conditions when attractive interactions are dominant
(Z < 1, eqn 1.17), because the molecules have to climb apart against the attractive
force in order for them to travel more slowly. For molecules under conditions
when repulsions are dominant (Z > 1), the Joule–Thomson effect results in the gas
becoming warmer, or µ < 0.
Checklist of key ideas
1. Thermodynamics is the study of the transformations of
energy.
2. The system is the part of the world in which we have a special
interest. The surroundings is the region outside the system
where we make our measurements.
3. An open system has a boundary through which matter can be
transferred. A closed system has a boundary through which
matter cannot be transferred. An isolated system has a
boundary through which neither matter nor energy can be
transferred.
4. Energy is the capacity to do work. The internal energy is the
total energy of a system.
5. Work is the transfer of energy by motion against an opposing
force, dw = −Fdz . Heat is the transfer of energy as a result of a
temperature difference between the system and the
surroundings.
6. An exothermic process releases energy as heat to the
surroundings. An endothermic process absorbs energy as heat
from the surroundings.
7. A state function is a property that depends only on the current
state of the system and is independent of how that state has
been prepared.
8. The First Law of thermodynamics states that the internal
energy of an isolated system is constant, ∆U = q + w.
9. Expansion work is the work of expansion (or compression) of
a system, dw = −pexdV. The work of free expansion is w = 0.
The work of expansion against a constant external pressure is
w = −pex ∆V. The work of isothermal reversible expansion of a
perfect gas is w = −nRT ln(Vf /Vi).
10. A reversible change is a change that can be reversed by an
infinitesimal modification of a variable.
11. Maximum work is achieved in a reversible change.
68
2 THE FIRST LAW
12. Calorimetry is the study of heat transfers during physical and
chemical processes.
13. The heat capacity at constant volume is defined as
CV = (∂U/∂T)V. The heat capacity at constant pressure is
Cp = (∂H/∂T)p. For a perfect gas, the heat capacities are related
by Cp − CV = nR.
14. The enthalpy is defined as H = U + pV. The enthalpy change is
the energy transferred as heat at constant pressure, ∆H = qp.
15. During a reversible adiabatic change, the temperature of a
perfect gas varies according to Tf = Ti(Vi/Vf)1/c, c = CV,m/R.
The pressure and volume are related by pV γ = constant, with
γ = Cp,m/CV,m.
16. The standard enthalpy change is the change in enthalpy for a
process in which the initial and final substances are in their
standard states. The standard state is the pure substance at
1 bar.
17. Enthalpy changes are additive, as in ∆subH 7 = ∆fus H 7 + ∆ vap H 7.
18. The enthalpy change for a process and its reverse are related
by ∆forwardH 7 = −∆reverseH 7.
19. The standard enthalpy of combustion is the standard reaction
enthalpy for the complete oxidation of an organic compound
to CO2 gas and liquid H2O if the compound contains C, H,
and O, and to N2 gas if N is also present.
20. Hess’s law states that the standard enthalpy of an overall
reaction is the sum of the standard enthalpies of the individual
reactions into which a reaction may be divided.
21. The standard enthalpy of formation (∆ f H 7) is the standard
reaction enthalpy for the formation of the compound from its
elements in their reference states. The reference state is the
most stable state of an element at the specified temperature
and 1 bar.
22. The standard reaction enthalpy may be estimated
by combining enthalpies of formation,
∆ r H 7 = ∑Productsν∆ f H 7 − ∑Reactantsν∆f H 7.
23. The temperature dependence of the reaction enthalpy is given
by Kirchhoff’s law, ∆r H 7(T2) = ∆r H 7(T1) +
# ∆ C dT.
T2
r
7
p
T1
24. An exact differential is an infinitesimal quantity that, when
integrated, gives a result that is independent of the path
between the initial and final states. An inexact differential
is an infinitesimal quantity that, when integrated, gives a
result that depends on the path between the initial and final
states.
25. The internal pressure is defined as πT = (∂U/∂V)T . For a
perfect gas, πT = 0.
26. The Joule–Thomson effect is the cooling of a gas by
isenthalpic expansion.
27. The Joule–Thomson coefficient is defined as µ = (∂T/∂p)H.
The isothermal Joule–Thomson coefficient is defined as
µT = (∂H/∂p)T = −Cp µ.
28. The inversion temperature is the temperature at which the
Joule–Thomson coefficient changes sign.
Further reading
Articles and texts
Sources of data and information
P.W. Atkins and J.C. de Paula, Physical chemistry for the life sciences.
W.H. Freeman, New York (2005).
M.W. Chase, Jr. (ed.), NIST–JANAF thermochemical tables. Published
as J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data, Monograph no. 9. American Institute of
Physics, New York (1998).
G.A. Estèvez, K. Yang, and B.B. Dasgupta, Thermodynamic partial
derivatives and experimentally measurable quantities. J. Chem.
Educ. 66, 890 (1989).
I.M. Klotz and R.M. Rosenberg, Chemical thermodynamics: basic
theory and methods. Wiley–Interscience, New York (2000).
G.N. Lewis and M. Randall, Thermodynamics. Revised by K.S. Pitzer
and L. Brewer. McGraw–Hill, New York (1961).
J. Wisniak, The Joule–Thomson coefficient for pure gases and their
mixtures. J. Chem. Educ. 4, 51 (1999).
J.D. Cox, D.D. Wagman, and V.A. Medvedev, CODATA key values
for thermodynamics. Hemisphere Publishing Corp., New York
(1989).
D.B. Wagman, W.H. Evans, V.B. Parker, R.H. Schumm, I. Halow,
S.M. Bailey, K.L. Churney, and R.L. Nuttall, The NBS tables of
chemical thermodynamic properties. Published as J. Phys. Chem. Ref.
Data 11, Supplement 2 (1982).
R.C. Weast (ed.), Handbook of chemistry and physics, Vol. 81. CRC
Press, Boca Raton (2000).
M. Zabransky, V. Ruzicka Jr., V. Majer, and E. S. Domalski. Heat
capacity of liquids. Published as J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data,
Monograph no. 6. American Institute of Physics, New York
(1996).
69
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information
Further information 2.1 Adiabatic processes
Consider a stage in a reversible adiabatic expansion when the
pressure inside and out is p. The work done when the gas expands by
dV is dw = −pdV; however, for a perfect gas, dU = CV dT.
Therefore, because for an adiabatic change (dq = 0) dU = dw + dq =
dw, we can equate these two expressions for dU and write
CV dT = −pdV
We are dealing with a perfect gas, so we can replace p by nRT/V and
obtain
CV dT
=−
T
nRdV
V
To integrate this expression we note that T is equal to Ti when V is
equal to Vi, and is equal to Tf when V is equal to Vf at the end of the
expansion. Therefore,
#
Tf
#
dT
CV
= −nR
T
Ti
Vf
dV
Vi
V
(We are taking CV to be independent of temperature.) Then, because
∫dx/x = ln x + constant, we obtain
CV ln
Tf
Ti
= −nR ln
Vf
Vi
Because ln(x /y) = −ln(y/x), this expression rearranges to
CV
nR
ln
Tf
Ti
= ln
Vi
Vf
With c = CV /nR we obtain (because ln x a = a ln x)
A Tf D
A Vi D
ln B E = ln B E
C Ti F
C Vf F
c
which implies that (Tf /Ti)c = (Vi /Vf) and, upon rearrangement,
eqn 2.28.
The initial and final states of a perfect gas satisfy the perfect gas law
regardless of how the change of state takes place, so we can use
pV = nRT to write
piVi
pfVf
=
Ti
Tf
However, we have just shown that
A Vf D
=B E
Tf C Vi F
Ti
1/c
A Vf D
=B E
C Vi F
γ −1
where we use the definition of the heat capacity ratio where
γ = Cp,m/CV,m and the fact that, for a perfect gas, Cp,m – CV,m = R (the
molar version of eqn 2.26). Then we combine the two expressions, to
obtain
A Vf D
= ×B E
pf Vi C Vi F
pi
Vf
γ −1
A Vf D
E
=B
C Vi F
γ
which rearranges to piV γi = pfV γf , which is eqn 2.29.
Further information 2.2 The relation between heat capacities
A useful rule when doing a problem in thermodynamics is to go back
to first principles. In the present problem we do this twice, first by
expressing Cp and CV in terms of their definitions and then by
inserting the definition H = U + pV:
A ∂H D
A ∂U D
E −B
E
Cp − CV = B
C ∂T F p C ∂T F V
A ∂U D
A ∂(pV) D
A ∂U D
E
E +B
E −B
=B
C ∂T F p C ∂T F p C ∂T F V
We have already calculated the difference of the first and third terms
on the right, and eqn 2.45 lets us write this difference as απTV. The
factor αV gives the change in volume when the temperature is raised,
and πT = (∂U/∂V)T converts this change in volume into a change in
internal energy. We can simplify the remaining term by noting that,
because p is constant,
A ∂(pV) D
A ∂V D
B
E = p B E = αpV
C ∂T F p
C ∂T F p
The middle term of this expression identifies it as the contribution to
the work of pushing back the atmosphere: (∂V/∂T)p is the change of
volume caused by a change of temperature, and multiplication by p
converts this expansion into work.
Collecting the two contributions gives
Cp − CV = α(p + πT)V
(2.56)
As just remarked, the first term on the right, α pV, is a measure of the
work needed to push back the atmosphere; the second term on the
right, απTV, is the work required to separate the molecules
composing the system.
At this point we can go further by using the result we prove in
Section 3.8 that
A ∂p D
πT = T B E − p
C ∂T F V
When this expression is inserted in the last equation we obtain
A ∂p D
Cp − CV = αTV B E
C ∂T F V
(2.57)
We now transform the remaining partial derivative. It follows from
Euler’s chain relation that
A ∂p D A ∂T D A ∂V D
B E B
E B E = −1
C ∂T F V C ∂V F p C ∂p F T
Comment 2.8
The Euler chain relation states that, for a differentiable function
z = z(x,y),
A ∂y D A ∂x D A ∂z D
B E B E B E = −1
C ∂x F z C ∂z F y C ∂y F x
For instance, if z(x,y) = x2y,
70
2 THE FIRST LAW
A ∂y D
A ∂(z/x 2)D
d(1/x 2)
2z
=− 3
B E =B
E =z
dx
x
C ∂x F z C ∂x F z
Comment 2.9
A ∂z D
A ∂(x 2y) D
dy
B E =B
E = x2 = x2
dy
C ∂y F x C ∂y F x
For example, for the function z(x,y) = x 2y,
A ∂x D
A ∂(z/y)1/2 D
1 dz1/2
1
=
E = 1/2
B E =B
dz
2(yz)1/2
C ∂z F y C ∂z F y y
Multiplication of the three terms together gives the result −1.
and therefore that
A ∂p D
1
B E =−
C ∂T F V
(∂T/∂V)p(∂V/∂p)T
Unfortunately, (∂T/∂V)p occurs instead of (∂V/∂T)p. However, the
‘reciprocal identity’ allows us to invert partial derivatives and to
write
A ∂p D
(∂V/∂T)p α
B E =−
=
C ∂T F V
(∂V/∂p)T κT
The reciprocal identity states that
A ∂y D
1
B E =
C ∂x F z (∂x/∂y)z
A ∂y D
A ∂(z/x 2) D
d(1/x 2)
2z
B E =B
E =z
=− 3
dx
x
C ∂x F z C ∂x F z
We can also write x = (z/y)1/2, in which case
A ∂x D
A ∂(z/y)1/2 D
d(1/y1/2)
B E =B
E = z1/2
dy
C ∂y F z C ∂y F z
=−
z1/2
2y
3/2
=−
z1/2
2 3/2
2(z/x )
=−
x3
2z
which is the reciprocal of the coefficient derived above.
Insertion of this relation into eqn 2.57 produces eqn 2.49.
Discussion questions
2.1 Provide mechanical and molecular definitions of work and heat.
2.2 Consider the reversible expansion of a perfect gas. Provide a physical
γ
2.5 Explain the significance of the Joule and Joule–Thomson experiments.
What would Joule observe in a more sensitive apparatus?
interpretation for the fact that pV = constant for an adiabatic change, whereas
pV = constant for an isothermal change.
2.6 Suggest (with explanation) how the internal energy of a van der Waals gas
2.3 Explain the difference between the change in internal energy and the
2.7 In many experimental thermograms, such as that shown in Fig. 2.16, the
change in enthalpy accompanying a chemical or physical process.
baseline below T1 is at a different level from that above T2. Explain this
observation.
2.4 Explain the significance of a physical observable being a state function and
should vary with volume at constant temperature.
compile a list of as many state functions as you can identify.
Exercises
Assume all gases are perfect unless stated otherwise. Unless otherwise stated,
thermochemical data are for 298.15 K.
2.1(a) Calculate the work needed for a 65 kg person to climb through 4.0 m
on the surface of (a) the Earth and (b) the Moon (g = 1.60 m s−2).
2.1(b) Calculate the work needed for a bird of mass 120 g to fly to a height of
50 m from the surface of the Earth.
2.2(a) A chemical reaction takes place in a container of cross-sectional area
100 cm2. As a result of the reaction, a piston is pushed out through 10 cm
against an external pressure of 1.0 atm. Calculate the work done by the system.
2.2(b) A chemical reaction takes place in a container of cross-sectional area
50.0 cm2. As a result of the reaction, a piston is pushed out through 15 cm
against an external pressure of 121 kPa. Calculate the work done by the
system.
2.3(a) A sample consisting of 1.00 mol Ar is expanded isothermally at 0°C
from 22.4 dm3 to 44.8 dm3 (a) reversibly, (b) against a constant external
pressure equal to the final pressure of the gas, and (c) freely (against zero
external pressure). For the three processes calculate q, w, ∆U, and ∆H.
2.3(b) A sample consisting of 2.00 mol He is expanded isothermally at 22°C
from 22.8 dm3 to 31.7 dm3 (a) reversibly, (b) against a constant external
pressure equal to the final pressure of the gas, and (c) freely (against zero
external pressure). For the three processes calculate q, w, ∆U, and ∆H.
2.4(a) A sample consisting of 1.00 mol of perfect gas atoms, for which
CV,m = –32 R, initially at p1 = 1.00 atm and T1 = 300 K, is heated reversibly to
400 K at constant volume. Calculate the final pressure, ∆U, q, and w.
2.4(b) A sample consisting of 2.00 mol of perfect gas molecules, for which
CV,m = –52 R, initially at p1 = 111 kPa and T1 = 277 K, is heated reversibly to 356 K
at constant volume. Calculate the final pressure, ∆U, q, and w.
2.5(a) A sample of 4.50 g of methane occupies 12.7 dm3 at 310 K.
(a) Calculate the work done when the gas expands isothermally against a
constant external pressure of 200 Torr until its volume has increased by
3.3 dm3. (b) Calculate the work that would be done if the same expansion
occurred reversibly.
2.5(b) A sample of argon of mass 6.56 g occupies 18.5 dm3 at 305 K.
(a) Calculate the work done when the gas expands isothermally against a
EXERCISES
constant external pressure of 7.7 kPa until its volume has increased by 2.5 dm3.
(b) Calculate the work that would be done if the same expansion occurred
reversibly.
2.6(a) A sample of 1.00 mol H2O(g) is condensed isothermally and reversibly
to liquid water at 100°C. The standard enthalpy of vaporization of water at
100°C is 40.656 kJ mol−1. Find w, q, ∆U, and ∆H for this process.
2.6(b) A sample of 2.00 mol CH3OH(g) is condensed isothermally and
reversibly to liquid at 64°C. The standard enthalpy of vaporization of
methanol at 64°C is 35.3 kJ mol−1. Find w, q, ∆U, and ∆H for this process.
2.7(a) A strip of magnesium of mass 15 g is dropped into a beaker of dilute
hydrochloric acid. Calculate the work done by the system as a result of the
reaction. The atmospheric pressure is 1.0 atm and the temperature 25°C.
71
2.14(b) A sample of 5.0 mol CO2 is originally confined in 15 dm3 at 280 K and
then undergoes adiabatic expansion against a constant pressure of 78.5 kPa
until the volume has increased by a factor of 4.0. Calculate q, w, ∆T, ∆U, and
∆H. (The final pressure of the gas is not necessarily 78.5 kPa.)
2.15(a) A sample consisting of 1.0 mol of perfect gas molecules with CV =
20.8 J K−1 is initially at 3.25 atm and 310 K. It undergoes reversible adiabatic
expansion until its pressure reaches 2.50 atm. Calculate the final volume and
temperature and the work done.
2.15(b) A sample consisting of 1.5 mol of perfect gas molecules with
Cp,m = 20.8 J K−1 mol−1 is initially at 230 kPa and 315 K. It undergoes reversible
adiabatic expansion until its pressure reaches 170 kPa. Calculate the final
volume and temperature and the work done.
2.7(b) A piece of zinc of mass 5.0 g is dropped into a beaker of dilute
2.16(a) A certain liquid has ∆ vapH 7 = 26.0 kJ mol−1. Calculate q, w, ∆H, and
hydrochloric acid. Calculate the work done by the system as a result of the
reaction. The atmospheric pressure is 1.1 atm and the temperature 23°C.
2.16(b) A certain liquid has ∆ vapH 7 = 32.0 kJ mol−1. Calculate q, w, ∆H, and
2.8(a) The constant-pressure heat capacity of a sample of a perfect gas was
−1
∆U when 0.50 mol is vaporized at 250 K and 750 Torr.
∆U when 0.75 mol is vaporized at 260 K and 765 Torr.
found to vary with temperature according to the expression Cp /(J K ) = 20.17
+ 0.3665(T/K). Calculate q, w, ∆U, and ∆H when the temperature is raised
from 25°C to 200°C (a) at constant pressure, (b) at constant volume.
Calculate its standard enthalpy of combustion.
2.8(b) The constant-pressure heat capacity of a sample of a perfect gas was
Calculate its standard enthalpy of combustion.
found to vary with temperature according to the expression Cp /(J K−1) = 20.17
+ 0.4001(T/K). Calculate q, w, ∆U, and ∆H when the temperature is raised
from 0°C to 100°C (a) at constant pressure, (b) at constant volume.
2.9(a) Calculate the final temperature of a sample of argon of mass 12.0 g that
is expanded reversibly and adiabatically from 1.0 dm3 at 273.15 K to 3.0 dm3.
2.9(b) Calculate the final temperature of a sample of carbon dioxide of mass
16.0 g that is expanded reversibly and adiabatically from 500 cm3 at 298.15 K
to 2.00 dm3.
2.10(a) A sample of carbon dioxide of mass 2.45 g at 27.0°C is allowed to
expand reversibly and adiabatically from 500 cm3 to 3.00 dm3. What is the
work done by the gas?
2.10(b) A sample of nitrogen of mass 3.12 g at 23.0°C is allowed to expand
reversibly and adiabatically from 400 cm3 to 2.00 dm3. What is the work done
by the gas?
2.11(a) Calculate the final pressure of a sample of carbon dioxide that
expands reversibly and adiabatically from 57.4 kPa and 1.0 dm3 to a final
volume of 2.0 dm3. Take γ = 1.4.
2.11(b) Calculate the final pressure of a sample of water vapour that expands
reversibly and adiabatically from 87.3 Torr and 500 cm3 to a final volume of
3.0 dm3. Take γ = 1.3.
2.12(a) When 229 J of energy is supplied as heat to 3.0 mol Ar(g), the
temperature of the sample increases by 2.55 K. Calculate the molar heat
capacities at constant volume and constant pressure of the gas.
2.12(b) When 178 J of energy is supplied as heat to 1.9 mol of gas molecules,
the temperature of the sample increases by 1.78 K. Calculate the molar heat
capacities at constant volume and constant pressure of the gas.
2.13(a) When 3.0 mol O2 is heated at a constant pressure of 3.25 atm, its
temperature increases from 260 K to 285 K. Given that the molar heat capacity
of O2 at constant pressure is 29.4 J K−1 mol−1, calculate q, ∆H, and ∆U.
2.13(b) When 2.0 mol CO2 is heated at a constant pressure of 1.25 atm, its
temperature increases from 250 K to 277 K. Given that the molar heat capacity
of CO2 at constant pressure is 37.11 J K−1 mol−1, calculate q, ∆H, and ∆U.
2.14(a) A sample of 4.0 mol O2 is originally confined in 20 dm3 at 270 K and
then undergoes adiabatic expansion against a constant pressure of 600 Torr
until the volume has increased by a factor of 3.0. Calculate q, w, ∆T, ∆U, and
∆H. (The final pressure of the gas is not necessarily 600 Torr.)
2.17(a) The standard enthalpy of formation of ethylbenzene is −12.5 kJ mol−1.
2.17(b) The standard enthalpy of formation of phenol is −165.0 kJ mol−1.
2.18(a) The standard enthalpy of combustion of cyclopropane is −2091 kJ
mol−1 at 25°C. From this information and enthalpy of formation data for
CO2(g) and H2O(g), calculate the enthalpy of formation of cyclopropane. The
enthalpy of formation of propene is +20.42 kJ mol−1. Calculate the enthalpy of
isomerization of cyclopropane to propene.
2.18(b) From the following data, determine ∆f H 7 for diborane, B2H6(g), at
298 K:
(1) B2H6(g) + 3 O2(g) → B2O3(s) + 3 H2O(g)
(2) 2 B(s) + –32 O2(g) → B2O3(s)
(3) H2(g) + –12 O2(g) → H2O(g)
∆r H 7 = −1941 kJ mol−1
∆r H 7 = −2368 kJ mol−1
∆r H 7 = −241.8 kJ mol−1
2.19(a) When 120 mg of naphthalene, C10H8(s), was burned in a bomb
calorimeter the temperature rose by 3.05 K. Calculate the calorimeter
constant. By how much will the temperature rise when 10 mg of phenol,
C6H5OH(s), is burned in the calorimeter under the same conditions?
2.19(b) When 2.25 mg of anthracene, C14H10(s), was burned in a bomb
calorimeter the temperature rose by 1.35 K. Calculate the calorimeter
constant. By how much will the temperature rise when 135 mg of phenol,
C6H5OH(s), is burned in the calorimeter under the same conditions?
(∆cH 7(C14H10, s) = −7061 kJ mol−1.)
2.20(a) Calculate the standard enthalpy of solution of AgCl(s) in water from
the enthalpies of formation of the solid and the aqueous ions.
2.20(b) Calculate the standard enthalpy of solution of AgBr(s) in water from
the enthalpies of formation of the solid and the aqueous ions.
2.21(a) The standard enthalpy of decomposition of the yellow complex
H3NSO2 into NH3 and SO2 is +40 kJ mol−1. Calculate the standard enthalpy of
formation of H3NSO2.
2.21(b) Given that the standard enthalpy of combustion of graphite is
−393.51 kJ mol−1 and that of diamond is −395.41 kJ mol−1, calculate the
enthalpy of the graphite-to-diamond transition.
2.22(a) Given the reactions (1) and (2) below, determine (a) ∆r H 7 and ∆rU 7
for reaction (3), (b) ∆ f H 7 for both HCl(g) and H2O(g) all at 298 K.
(1) H2(g) + Cl2(g) → 2 HCl(g)
(2) 2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(g)
(3) 4 HCl(g) + O2(g) → Cl2(g) + 2 H2O(g)
∆rH 7 = −184.62 kJ mol−1
∆rH 7 = −483.64 kJ mol−1
72
2 THE FIRST LAW
2.22(b) Given the reactions (1) and (2) below, determine (a) ∆r H 7 and
∆rU 7 for reaction (3), (b) ∆f H 7 for both HCl(g) and H2O(g) all at 298 K.
(1) H2(g) + I2(s) → 2 HI(g)
(2) 2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(g)
(3) 4 HI(g) + O2(g) → 2 I2(s) + 2 H2O(g)
∆r H 7 = +52.96 kJ mol−1
∆r H 7 = −483.64 kJ mol−1
2.23(a) For the reaction C2H5OH(l) + 3 O2(g) → 2 CO2(g) + 3 H2O(g),
∆rU 7 = −1373 kJ mol−1 at 298 K. Calculate ∆r H 7.
2.23(b) For the reaction 2 C6H5COOH(s) + 13 O2(g) → 12 CO2(g) +
7
−1
7
6 H2O(g), ∆rU = −772.7 kJ mol at 298 K. Calculate ∆r H .
2.24(a) Calculate the standard enthalpies of formation of (a) KClO3(s) from
the enthalpy of formation of KCl, (b) NaHCO3(s) from the enthalpies of
formation of CO2 and NaOH together with the following information:
2 KClO3(s) → 2 KCl(s) + 3 O2(g)
NaOH(s) + CO2(g) → NaHCO3(s)
∆r H 7 = −89.4 kJ mol−1
∆r H 7 = −127.5 kJ mol−1
2.24(b) Calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of NOCl(g) from the
enthalpy of formation of NO given in Table 2.5, together with the following
information:
2 NOCl(g) → 2 NO(g) + Cl2(g)
∆r H 7 = +75.5 kJ mol−1
2.25(a) Use the information in Table 2.5 to predict the standard reaction
enthalpy of 2 NO2(g) → N2O4(g) at 100°C from its value at 25°C.
2.25(b) Use the information in Table 2.5 to predict the standard reaction
enthalpy of 2 H2(g) + O2(g) → 2 H2O(l) at 100°C from its value at 25°C.
2.26(a) From the data in Table 2.5, calculate ∆rH 7 and ∆rU 7 at (a) 298 K,
(b) 378 K for the reaction C(graphite) + H2O(g) → CO(g) + H2(g). Assume
all heat capacities to be constant over the temperature range of interest.
2.26(b) Calculate ∆r H 7 and ∆rU 7 at 298 K and ∆r H 7 at 348 K for the
hydrogenation of ethyne (acetylene) to ethene (ethylene) from the enthalpy of
combustion and heat capacity data in Tables 2.5 and 2.7. Assume the heat
capacities to be constant over the temperature range involved.
2.27(a) Calculate ∆rH 7 for the reaction Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) → ZnSO4(aq) +
2.28(b) Set up a thermodynamic cycle for determining the enthalpy of
hydration of Ca2+ ions using the following data: enthalpy of sublimation
of Ca(s), +178.2 kJ mol−1; first and second ionization enthalpies of Ca(g),
589.7 kJ mol−1 and 1145 kJ mol−1; enthalpy of vaporization of bromine,
+30.91 kJ mol−1; dissociation enthalpy of Br2(g), +192.9 kJ mol−1; electron
gain enthalpy of Br(g), −331.0 kJ mol−1; enthalpy of solution of
CaBr2(s), −103.1 kJ mol−1; enthalpy of hydration of Br−(g), −337 kJ mol−1.
2.29(a) When a certain freon used in refrigeration was expanded adiabatically
from an initial pressure of 32 atm and 0°C to a final pressure of 1.00 atm, the
temperature fell by 22 K. Calculate the Joule–Thomson coefficient, µ, at 0°C,
assuming it remains constant over this temperature range.
2.29(b) A vapour at 22 atm and 5°C was allowed to expand adiabatically to a
final pressure of 1.00 atm; the temperature fell by 10 K. Calculate the
Joule–Thomson coefficient, µ, at 5°C, assuming it remains constant over this
temperature range.
2.30(a) For a van der Waals gas, πT = a/V 2m. Calculate ∆Um for the isothermal
expansion of nitrogen gas from an initial volume of 1.00 dm3 to 24.8 dm3 at
298 K. What are the values of q and w?
2.30(b) Repeat Exercise 2.30(a) for argon, from an initial volume of 1.00 dm3
to 22.1 dm3 at 298 K.
2.31(a) The volume of a certain liquid varies with temperature as
V = V′{0.75 + 3.9 × 10−4(T/K) + 1.48 × 10−6(T/K)2}
where V′ is its volume at 300 K. Calculate its expansion coefficient, α, at 320 K.
2.31(b) The volume of a certain liquid varies with temperature as
V = V′{0.77 + 3.7 × 10−4(T/K) + 1.52 × 10−6(T/K)2}
where V′ is its volume at 298 K. Calculate its expansion coefficient, α, at 310 K.
2.32(a) The isothermal compressibility of copper at 293 K is 7.35 ×
10−7 atm−1. Calculate the pressure that must be applied in order to increase its
density by 0.08 per cent.
2.32(b) The isothermal compressibility of lead at 293 K is 2.21 × 10−6 atm−1.
Cu(s) from the information in Table 2.7 in the Data section.
Calculate the pressure that must be applied in order to increase its density by
0.08 per cent.
2.27(b) Calculate ∆r H 7 for the reaction NaCl(aq) + AgNO3(aq) → AgCl(s) +
2.33(a) Given that µ = 0.25 K atm−1 for nitrogen, calculate the value of its
NaNO3(aq) from the information in Table 2.7 in the Data section.
2.28(a) Set up a thermodynamic cycle for determining the enthalpy of
hydration of Mg2+ ions using the following data: enthalpy of sublimation of
Mg(s), +167.2 kJ mol−1; first and second ionization enthalpies of Mg(g),
7.646 eV and 15.035 eV; dissociation enthalpy of Cl2(g), +241.6 kJ mol−1;
electron gain enthalpy of Cl(g), −3.78 eV; enthalpy of solution of MgCl2(s),
−150.5 kJ mol−1; enthalpy of hydration of Cl−(g), −383.7 kJ mol−1.
isothermal Joule–Thomson coefficient. Calculate the energy that must be
supplied as heat to maintain constant temperature when 15.0 mol N2 flows
through a throttle in an isothermal Joule–Thomson experiment and the
pressure drop is 75 atm.
2.33(b) Given that µ = 1.11 K atm−1 for carbon dioxide, calculate the value of
its isothermal Joule–Thomson coefficient. Calculate the energy that must be
supplied as heat to maintain constant temperature when 12.0 mol CO2 flows
through a throttle in an isothermal Joule–Thomson experiment and the
pressure drop is 55 atm.
PROBLEMS
73
Problems*
Assume all gases are perfect unless stated otherwise. Note that 1 atm =
1.013 25 bar. Unless otherwise stated, thermochemical data are for 298.15 K.
Numerical problems
2.1 A sample consisting of 1 mol of perfect gas atoms (for which
CV,m = –32 R) is taken through the cycle shown in Fig. 2.34. (a) Determine the
temperature at the points 1, 2, and 3. (b) Calculate q, w, ∆U, and ∆H for each
step and for the overall cycle. If a numerical answer cannot be obtained from
the information given, then write in +, −, 0, or ? as appropriate.
Table 2.2. Calculate the standard enthalpy of formation of ethane at 350 K
from its value at 298 K.
2.8 A sample of the sugar d-ribose (C5H10O5) of mass 0.727 g was placed
in a calorimeter and then ignited in the presence of excess oxygen. The
temperature rose by 0.910 K. In a separate experiment in the same calorimeter,
the combustion of 0.825 g of benzoic acid, for which the internal energy of
combustion is −3251 kJ mol−1, gave a temperature rise of 1.940 K. Calculate
the internal energy of combustion of d-ribose and its enthalpy of formation.
2.9 The standard enthalpy of formation of the metallocene
bis(benzene)chromium was measured in a calorimeter. It was found for the
reaction Cr(C6H6)2(s) → Cr(s) + 2 C6H6(g) that ∆rU 7(583 K) = +8.0 kJ mol−1.
Find the corresponding reaction enthalpy and estimate the standard enthalpy
of formation of the compound at 583 K. The constant-pressure molar
heat capacity of benzene is 136.1 J K−1 mol−1 in its liquid range and
81.67 J K−1 mol−1 as a gas.
2.10‡ From the enthalpy of combustion data in Table 2.5 for the
alkanes methane through octane, test the extent to which the relation
∆cH 7 = k{(M/(g mol−1)}n holds and find the numerical values for k and n.
Predict ∆cH 7 for decane and compare to the known value.
Fig. 2.34
2.2 A sample consisting of 1.0 mol CaCO3(s) was heated to 800°C, when it
decomposed. The heating was carried out in a container fitted with a piston
that was initially resting on the solid. Calculate the work done during
complete decomposition at 1.0 atm. What work would be done if instead of
having a piston the container was open to the atmosphere?
2.3 A sample consisting of 2.0 mol CO2 occupies a fixed volume of 15.0 dm3
at 300 K. When it is supplied with 2.35 kJ of energy as heat its temperature
increases to 341 K. Assume that CO2 is described by the van der Waals
equation of state, and calculate w, ∆U, and ∆H.
2.4 A sample of 70 mmol Kr(g) expands reversibly and isothermally at 373 K
from 5.25 cm3 to 6.29 cm3, and the internal energy of the sample is known to
increase by 83.5 J. Use the virial equation of state up to the second coefficient
B = −28.7 cm3 mol−1 to calculate w, q, and ∆H for this change of state.
2.5 A sample of 1.00 mol perfect gas molecules with Cp,m = –27R is put through
the following cycle: (a) constant-volume heating to twice its initial volume,
(b) reversible, adiabatic expansion back to its initial temperature, (c)
reversible isothermal compression back to 1.00 atm. Calculate q, w, ∆U, and
∆H for each step and overall.
2.6 Calculate the work done during the isothermal reversible expansion of a
van der Waals gas. Account physically for the way in which the coefficients a
and b appear in the final expression. Plot on the same graph the indicator
diagrams for the isothermal reversible expansion of (a) a perfect gas,
(b) a van der Waals gas in which a = 0 and b = 5.11 × 10−2 dm3 mol−1, and
(c) a = 4.2 dm6 atm mol−2 and b = 0. The values selected exaggerate the
imperfections but give rise to significant effects on the indicator diagrams.
Take Vi = 1.0 dm3, n = 1.0 mol, and T = 298 K.
2.7 The molar heat capacity of ethane is represented in the temperature range
298 K to 400 K by the empirical expression Cp,m /(J K−1 mol−1) = 14.73 +
0.1272(T/K). The corresponding expressions for C(s) and H2(g) are given in
2.11 It is possible to investigate the thermochemical properties of
hydrocarbons with molecular modelling methods. (a) Use electronic structure
software to predict ∆cH 7 values for the alkanes methane through pentane. To
calculate ∆cH 7 values, estimate the standard enthalpy of formation of
CnH2(n+1)(g) by performing semi-empirical calculations (for example, AM1
or PM3 methods) and use experimental standard enthalpy of formation
values for CO2(g) and H2O(l). (b) Compare your estimated values with the
experimental values of ∆cH 7 (Table 2.5) and comment on the reliability of
the molecular modelling method. (c) Test the extent to which the relation
∆cH 7 = k{(M/(g mol−1)}n holds and find the numerical values for k and n.
2.12‡ When 1.3584 g of sodium acetate trihydrate was mixed into 100.0 cm3
of 0.2000 m HCl(aq) at 25°C in a solution calorimeter, its temperature fell by
0.397°C on account of the reaction:
H3O+(aq) + NaCH3CO2 · 3 H2O(s)
→ Na+(aq) + CH3COOH(aq) + 4 H2O(l).
The heat capacity of the calorimeter is 91.0 J K−1 and the heat capacity density
of the acid solution is 4.144 J K−1 cm−3. Determine the standard enthalpy of
formation of the aqueous sodium cation. The standard enthalpy of formation
of sodium acetate trihydrate is −1064 kJ mol−1.
2.13‡ Since their discovery in 1985, fullerenes have received the attention of
many chemical researchers. Kolesov et al. reported the standard enthalpy of
combustion and of formation of crystalline C60 based on calorimetric
measurements (V.P. Kolesov, S.M. Pimenova, V.K. Pavlovich, N.B. Tamm,
and A.A. Kurskaya, J. Chem. Thermodynamics 28, 1121 (1996)). In one of their
runs, they found the standard specific internal energy of combustion to be
−36.0334 kJ g−1 at 298.15 K Compute ∆c H 7 and ∆ f H 7 of C60.
2.14‡ A thermodynamic study of DyCl3 (E.H.P. Cordfunke, A.S. Booji, and
M. Yu. Furkaliouk, J. Chem. Thermodynamics 28, 1387 (1996)) determined its
standard enthalpy of formation from the following information
(1) DyCl3(s) → DyCl3(aq, in 4.0 m HCl)
(2) Dy(s) + 3 HCl(aq, 4.0 m) →
DyCl3(aq, in 4.0 m HCl(aq)) + –32 H2(g)
(3) –12 H2(g) + –12 Cl2(g) → HCl(aq, 4.0 m)
Determine ∆ f H 7(DyCl3, s) from these data.
* Problems denoted with the symbol ‡ were supplied by Charles Trapp, Carmen Giunta, and Marshall Cady.
∆r H 7 = −180.06 kJ mol−1
∆r H 7 = −699.43 kJ mol−1
∆r H 7 = −158.31 kJ mol−1
74
2 THE FIRST LAW
2.15‡ Silylene (SiH2) is a key intermediate in the thermal decomposition of
silicon hydrides such as silane (SiH4) and disilane (Si2H6). Moffat et al. (H.K.
Moffat, K.F. Jensen, and R.W. Carr, J. Phys. Chem. 95, 145 (1991)) report
∆f H 7(SiH2) = +274 kJ mol−1. If ∆ f H 7(SiH4) = +34.3 kJ mol−1 and
∆ f H 7(Si2H6) = +80.3 kJ mol−1 (CRC Handbook (2004)), compute the
standard enthalpies of the following reactions:
(a) SiH4(g) → SiH2(g) + H2(g)
(b) Si2H6(g) → SiH2(g) + SiH4(g)
2.16‡ Silanone (SiH2O) and silanol (SiH3OH) are species believed to be
important in the oxidation of silane (SiH4). These species are much more
elusive than their carbon counterparts. C.L. Darling and H.B. Schlegel
(J. Phys. Chem. 97, 8207 (1993)) report the following values (converted from
calories) from a computational study: ∆f H 7(SiH2O) = −98.3 kJ mol−1 and
∆f H 7(SiH3OH) = −282 kJ mol−1 . Compute the standard enthalpies of the
following reactions:
(a) SiH4(g) + –12 O2(g) → SiH3OH(g)
(b) SiH4(g) + O2(g) → SiH2O(g) + H2O(l)
(c) SiH3OH(g) → SiH2O(g) + H2(g)
Note that ∆ f H 7(SiH4, g) = +34.3 kJ mol−1 (CRC Handbook (2004)).
2.17 The constant-volume heat capacity of a gas can be measured by
observing the decrease in temperature when it expands adiabatically and
reversibly. If the decrease in pressure is also measured, we can use it to infer
the value of γ = Cp /CV and hence, by combining the two values, deduce the
constant-pressure heat capacity. A fluorocarbon gas was allowed to expand
reversibly and adiabatically to twice its volume; as a result, the temperature
fell from 298.15 K to 248.44 K and its pressure fell from 202.94 kPa to
81.840 kPa. Evaluate Cp.
2.18 A sample consisting of 1.00 mol of a van der Waals gas is compressed
3
3
from 20.0 dm to 10.0 dm at 300 K. In the process, 20.2 kJ of work is done
on the gas. Given that µ = {(2a/RT) − b}/Cp,m, with Cp,m = 38.4 J K−1 mol−1,
a = 3.60 dm6 atm mol−2, and b = 0.44 dm3 mol−1, calculate ∆H for the process.
2.19 Take nitrogen to be a van der Waals gas with a = 1.352 dm6 atm mol−2
and b = 0.0387 dm3 mol−1, and calculate ∆Hm when the pressure on the gas is
decreased from 500 atm to 1.00 atm at 300 K. For a van der Waals gas,
µ = {(2a/RT) − b}/Cp,m. Assume Cp,m = –27R.
Theoretical problems
2.20 Show that the following functions have exact differentials: (a) x 2y + 3y 2,
(b) x cos xy, (c) x 3y 2, (d) t(t + es) + s.
2.21 (a) What is the total differential of z = x 2 + 2y 2 − 2xy + 2x − 4y − 8? (b)
Show that ∂2z/∂y∂x = ∂2z/∂x∂y for this function. (c) Let z = xy − y + ln x + 2.
Find dz and show that it is exact.
expressing (∂H/∂U)p as the ratio of two derivatives with respect to volume
and then using the definition of enthalpy.
2.26 (a) Write expressions for dV and dp given that V is a function of p and
T and p is a function of V and T. (b) Deduce expressions for d ln V and d ln p
in terms of the expansion coefficient and the isothermal compressibility.
2.27 Calculate the work done during the isothermal reversible expansion of a
gas that satisfies the virial equation of state, eqn 1.19. Evaluate (a) the work
for 1.0 mol Ar at 273 K (for data, see Table 1.3) and (b) the same amount of a
perfect gas. Let the expansion be from 500 cm3 to 1000 cm3 in each case.
2.28 Express the work of isothermal reversible expansion of a van der Waals
gas in reduced variables and find a definition of reduced work that makes the
overall expression independent of the identity of the gas. Calculate the work
of isothermal reversible expansion along the critical isotherm from Vc to xVc.
2.29‡ A gas obeying the equation of state p(V − nb) = nRT is subjected to a
Joule–Thomson expansion. Will the temperature increase, decrease, or
remain the same?
2
2.30 Use the fact that (∂U/∂V)T = a/V m
for a van der Waals gas to show that
µCp,m ≈ (2a/RT) − b by using the definition of µ and appropriate relations
between partial derivatives. (Hint. Use the approximation pVm ≈ RT when it
is justifiable to do so.)
2.31 Rearrange the van der Waals equation of state to give an expression for
T as a function of p and V (with n constant). Calculate (∂T/∂p)V and confirm
that (∂T/∂p)V = 1/(∂p/∂T)V. Go on to confirm Euler’s chain relation.
2.32 Calculate the isothermal compressibility and the expansion coefficient
of a van der Waals gas. Show, using Euler’s chain relation, that
κT R = α(Vm − b).
2.33 Given that µCp = T(∂V/∂T)p − V, derive an expression for µ in terms of
the van der Waals parameters a and b, and express it in terms of reduced
variables. Evaluate µ at 25°C and 1.0 atm, when the molar volume of the gas
is 24.6 dm3 mol−1. Use the expression obtained to derive a formula for the
inversion temperature of a van der Waals gas in terms of reduced variables,
and evaluate it for the xenon sample.
2.34 The thermodynamic equation of state (∂U/∂V)T = T(∂p/∂T)V − p was
quoted in the chapter. Derive its partner
A ∂H D
A ∂V D
B
E = −T B E + V
∂p
C
FT
C ∂T F p
from it and the general relations between partial differentials.
2.35 Show that for a van der Waals gas,
Cp,m − CV,m = λR
1
λ
=1−
(3Vr − 1)2
4V 3rTr
and evaluate the difference for xenon at 25°C and 10.0 atm.
2.22 (a) Express (∂CV /∂V)T as a second derivative of U and find its relation
to (∂U/∂V)T and (∂Cp /∂p)T as a second derivative of H and find its relation
to (∂H/∂p)T. (b) From these relations show that (∂CV /∂V)T = 0 and
(∂Cp /∂p)T = 0 for a perfect gas.
heat capacities γ by cs = (γ RT/M)1/2. Show that cs = (γ p/ρ)1/2, where ρ is the
mass density of the gas. Calculate the speed of sound in argon at 25°C.
2.23 (a) Derive the relation CV = −(∂U/∂V)T (∂V/∂T)U from the expression
2.37‡ A gas obeys the equation of state Vm = RT/p + aT 2 and its constant-
for the total differential of U(T,V) and (b) starting from the expression for
the total differential of H(T,p), express (∂H/∂p)T in terms of Cp and the
Joule–Thomson coefficient, µ.
2.24 Starting from the expression Cp − CV = T(∂p/∂T)V (∂V/∂T)p, use the
appropriate relations between partial derivatives to show that
Cp − CV =
T(∂V/∂T)p2
(∂V/∂T)T
Evaluate Cp − CV for a perfect gas.
2.25 (a) By direct differentiation of H = U + pV, obtain a relation between
(∂H/∂U)p and (∂U/∂V)p. (b) Confirm that (∂H/∂U)p = 1 + p(∂V/∂U)p by
2.36 The speed of sound, cs, in a gas of molar mass M is related to the ratio of
pressure heat capacity is given by Cp,m = A + BT + Cp, where a, A, B, and C are
constants independent of T and p. Obtain expressions for (a) the
Joule–Thomson coefficient and (b) its constant-volume heat capacity.
Applications: to biology, materials science, and the
environment
2.38 It is possible to see with the aid of a powerful microscope that a long
piece of double-stranded DNA is flexible, with the distance between the ends
of the chain adopting a wide range of values. This flexibility is important
because it allows DNA to adopt very compact conformations as it is packaged
in a chromosome (see Chapter 18). It is convenient to visualize a long piece
PROBLEMS
of DNA as a freely jointed chain, a chain of N small, rigid units of length l
that are free to make any angle with respect to each other. The length l, the
persistence length, is approximately 45 nm, corresponding to approximately
130 base pairs. You will now explore the work associated with extending a
DNA molecule. (a) Suppose that a DNA molecule resists being extended
from an equilibrium, more compact conformation with a restoring force
F = −kF x, where x is the difference in the end-to-end distance of the chain
from an equilibrium value and kF is the force constant. Systems showing this
behaviour are said to obey Hooke’s law. (i) What are the limitations of this
model of the DNA molecule? (ii) Using this model, write an expression for
the work that must be done to extend a DNA molecule by x. Draw a graph
of your conclusion. (b) A better model of a DNA molecule is the onedimensional freely jointed chain, in which a rigid unit of length l can only
make an angle of 0° or 180° with an adjacent unit. In this case, the restoring
force of a chain extended by x = nl is given by
F=
A1+νD
ln B
E
2l
C1−νF
kT
ν = n/N
where k = 1.381 × 10−23 J K−1 is Boltzmann’s constant (not a force constant).
(i) What are the limitations of this model? (ii) What is the magnitude of the
force that must be applied to extend a DNA molecule with N = 200 by 90 nm?
(iii) Plot the restoring force against ν, noting that ν can be either positive or
negative. How is the variation of the restoring force with end-to-end distance
different from that predicted by Hooke’s law? (iv) Keeping in mind that the
difference in end-to-end distance from an equilibrium value is x = nl and,
consequently, dx = ldn = Nldν, write an expression for the work of extending
a DNA molecule. (v) Calculate the work of extending a DNA molecule from
ν = 0 to ν = 1.0. Hint. You must integrate the expression for w. The task can
be accomplished easily with mathematical software. (c) Show that for small
extensions of the chain, when ν << 1, the restoring force is given by
F≈
νkT
l
=
nkT
Nl
Hint. See Appendix 2 for a review of series expansions of functions. (d) Is the
variation of the restoring force with extension of the chain given in part
(c) different from that predicted by Hooke’s law? Explain your answer.
2.39 There are no dietary recommendations for consumption of
carbohydrates. Some nutritionists recommend diets that are largely devoid of
carbohydrates, with most of the energy needs being met by fats. However, the
most common recommendation is that at least 65 per cent of our food
calories should come from carbohydrates. A –34 -cup serving of pasta contains
40 g of carbohydrates. What percentage of the daily calorie requirement for a
person on a 2200 Calorie diet (1 Cal = 1 kcal) does this serving represent?
2.40 An average human produces about 10 MJ of heat each day through
metabolic activity. If a human body were an isolated system of mass 65 kg
with the heat capacity of water, what temperature rise would the body
experience? Human bodies are actually open systems, and the main
mechanism of heat loss is through the evaporation of water. What mass of
water should be evaporated each day to maintain constant temperature?
2.41 Glucose and fructose are simple sugars with the molecular formula
C6H12O6. Sucrose, or table sugar, is a complex sugar with molecular formula
C12H22O11 that consists of a glucose unit covalently bound to a fructose unit
(a water molecule is given off as a result of the reaction between glucose and
fructose to form sucrose). (a) Calculate the energy released as heat when a
typical table sugar cube of mass 1.5 g is burned in air. (b) To what height
could you climb on the energy a table sugar cube provides assuming 25 per
cent of the energy is available for work? (c) The mass of a typical glucose
tablet is 2.5 g. Calculate the energy released as heat when a glucose tablet is
burned in air. (d) To what height could you climb on the energy a cube
provides assuming 25 per cent of the energy is available for work?
2.42 In biological cells that have a plentiful supply of O2, glucose is oxidized
completely to CO2 and H2O by a process called aerobic oxidation. Muscle cells
may be deprived of O2 during vigorous exercise and, in that case, one
75
molecule of glucose is converted to two molecules of lactic acid
(CH3CH (OH)COOH) by a process called anaerobic glycolysis (see
Impact I7.2). (a) When 0.3212 g of glucose was burned in a bomb
calorimeter of calorimeter constant 641 J K−1 the temperature rose by
7.793 K. Calculate (i) the standard molar enthalpy of combustion, (ii) the
standard internal energy of combustion, and (iii) the standard enthalpy of
formation of glucose. (b) What is the biological advantage (in kilojoules
per mole of energy released as heat) of complete aerobic oxidation
compared with anaerobic glycolysis to lactic acid?
2.43 You have at your disposal a sample of pure polymer P and a sample of P
that has just been synthesized in a large chemical reactor and that may
contain impurities. Describe how you would use differential scanning
calorimetry to determine the mole percentage composition of P in the
allegedly impure sample.
2.44‡ Alkyl radicals are important intermediates in the combustion
and atmospheric chemistry of hydrocarbons. Seakins et al. (P.W.
Seakins, M.J. Pilling, J.T. Niiranen, D. Gutman, and L.N. Krasnoperov,
J. Phys. Chem. 96, 9847 (1992)) report ∆ f H 7 for a variety of alkyl radicals
in the gas phase, information that is applicable to studies of pyrolysis and
oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons. This information can be combined
with thermodynamic data on alkenes to determine the reaction enthalpy
for possible fragmentation of a large alkyl radical into smaller radicals and
alkenes. Use the following set of data to compute the standard reaction
enthalpies for three possible fates of the tert-butyl radical, namely,
(a) tert-C4H9 → sec-C4H9, (b) tert-C4H9 → C3H6 + CH3, (c) tert-C4H9 →
C2H4 + C2H5.
Species:
C2H5
sec-C4H9
tert-C4H9
∆ f H 7/(kJ mol−1)
+121.0
+67.5
+51.3
2.45‡ In 1995, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
considered a global average temperature rise of 1.0–3.5°C likely by the year
2100, with 2.0°C its best estimate. Predict the average rise in sea level due to
thermal expansion of sea water based on temperature rises of 1.0°C, 2.0°C,
and 3.5°C given that the volume of the Earth’s oceans is 1.37 × 109 km3 and
their surface area is 361 × 106 km2, and state the approximations that go into
the estimates.
2.46‡ Concerns over the harmful effects of chlorofluorocarbons on
stratospheric ozone have motivated a search for new refrigerants. One such
alternative is 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (refrigerant 123). Younglove
and McLinden published a compendium of thermophysical properties of this
substance (B.A. Younglove and M. McLinden, J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 23, 7
(1994)), from which properties such as the Joule–Thomson coefficient µ
can be computed. (a) Compute µ at 1.00 bar and 50°C given that (∂H/∂p)T
= −3.29 × 103 J MPa−1 mol−1 and Cp,m = 110.0 J K−1 mol−1 . (b) Compute the
temperature change that would accompany adiabatic expansion of 2.0 mol
of this refrigerant from 1.5 bar to 0.5 bar at 50°C.
2.47‡ Another alternative refrigerant (see preceding problem) is 1,1,1,2tetrafluoroethane (refrigerant HFC-134a). Tillner-Roth and Baehr published
a compendium of thermophysical properties of this substance (R. TillnerRoth and H.D. Baehr, J. Phys. Chem. Ref. Data 23, 657 (1994)), from which
properties such as the Joule–Thomson coefficient µ can be computed. (a)
Compute µ at 0.100 MPa and 300 K from the following data (all referring
to 300 K):
p/MPa
0.080
0.100
0.12
Specific enthalpy/(kJ kg−1)
426.48
426.12
425.76
(The specific constant-pressure heat capacity is 0.7649 kJ K−1 kg−1.)
(b) Compute µ at 1.00 MPa and 350 K from the following data (all referring
to 350 K):
p/MPa
0.80
1.00
1.2
Specific enthalpy/(kJ kg−1)
461.93
459.12
456.15
(The specific constant-pressure heat capacity is 1.0392 kJ K−1 kg−1.)
3
The direction of spontaneous
change
3.1 The dispersal of energy
3.2 Entropy
I3.1 Impact on engineering:
Refrigeration
3.3 Entropy changes
accompanying specific
processes
3.4 The Third Law of
thermodynamics
The Second Law
The purpose of this chapter is to explain the origin of the spontaneity of physical and chemical change. We examine two simple processes and show how to define, measure, and use
a property, the entropy, to discuss spontaneous changes quantitatively. The chapter also
introduces a major subsidiary thermodynamic property, the Gibbs energy, which lets us express the spontaneity of a process in terms of the properties of a system. The Gibbs energy
also enables us to predict the maximum non-expansion work that a process can do. As we
began to see in Chapter 2, one application of thermodynamics is to find relations between
properties that might not be thought to be related. Several relations of this kind can be
established by making use of the fact that the Gibbs energy is a state function. We also see
how to derive expressions for the variation of the Gibbs energy with temperature and pressure and how to formulate expressions that are valid for real gases. These expressions will
prove useful later when we discuss the effect of temperature and pressure on equilibrium
constants.
Concentrating on the system
3.5 The Helmholtz and Gibbs
energies
3.6 Standard reaction Gibbs
energies
Combining the First and
Second Laws
3.7 The fundamental equation
3.8 Properties of the internal
energy
3.9 Properties of the Gibbs energy
Checklist of key ideas
Further reading
Further information 3.1: The Born
equation
Further information 3.2: Real gases:
the fugacity
Discussion questions
Exercises
Problems
Some things happen naturally; some things don’t. A gas expands to fill the available
volume, a hot body cools to the temperature of its surroundings, and a chemical reaction runs in one direction rather than another. Some aspect of the world determines
the spontaneous direction of change, the direction of change that does not require
work to be done to bring it about. A gas can be confined to a smaller volume, an object
can be cooled by using a refrigerator, and some reactions can be driven in reverse
(as in the electrolysis of water). However, none of these processes is spontaneous;
each one must be brought about by doing work. An important point, though, is that
throughout this text ‘spontaneous’ must be interpreted as a natural tendency that may
or may not be realized in practice. Thermodynamics is silent on the rate at which a
spontaneous change in fact occurs, and some spontaneous processes (such as the conversion of diamond to graphite) may be so slow that the tendency is never realized
in practice whereas others (such as the expansion of a gas into a vacuum) are almost
instantaneous.
The recognition of two classes of process, spontaneous and non-spontaneous, is
summarized by the Second Law of thermodynamics. This law may be expressed in a
variety of equivalent ways. One statement was formulated by Kelvin:
No process is possible in which the sole result is the absorption of heat from a reservoir and its complete conversion into work.
For example, it has proved impossible to construct an engine like that shown in
Fig. 3.1, in which heat is drawn from a hot reservoir and completely converted into
work. All real heat engines have both a hot source and a cold sink; some energy is
always discarded into the cold sink as heat and not converted into work. The Kelvin
3.1 THE DISPERSAL OF ENERGY
statement is a generalization of another everyday observation, that a ball at rest on a
surface has never been observed to leap spontaneously upwards. An upward leap of
the ball would be equivalent to the conversion of heat from the surface into work.
Hot source
Flow of
energy
The direction of spontaneous change
What determines the direction of spontaneous change? It is not the total energy of the
isolated system. The First Law of thermodynamics states that energy is conserved in
any process, and we cannot disregard that law now and say that everything tends
towards a state of lower energy: the total energy of an isolated system is constant.
Is it perhaps the energy of the system that tends towards a minimum? Two arguments show that this cannot be so. First, a perfect gas expands spontaneously into a
vacuum, yet its internal energy remains constant as it does so. Secondly, if the energy
of a system does happen to decrease during a spontaneous change, the energy of its
surroundings must increase by the same amount (by the First Law). The increase in
energy of the surroundings is just as spontaneous a process as the decrease in energy
of the system.
When a change occurs, the total energy of an isolated system remains constant but
it is parcelled out in different ways. Can it be, therefore, that the direction of change is
related to the distribution of energy? We shall see that this idea is the key, and that
spontaneous changes are always accompanied by a dispersal of energy.
77
Heat
Engine
Work
The Kelvin statement of the Second
Law denies the possibility of the process
illustrated here, in which heat is changed
completely into work, there being no other
change. The process is not in conflict with
the First Law because energy is conserved.
Fig. 3.1
3.1 The dispersal of energy
We can begin to understand the role of the distribution of energy by thinking about a
ball (the system) bouncing on a floor (the surroundings). The ball does not rise as
high after each bounce because there are inelastic losses in the materials of the ball and
floor. The kinetic energy of the ball’s overall motion is spread out into the energy of
thermal motion of its particles and those of the floor that it hits. The direction of
spontaneous change is towards a state in which the ball is at rest with all its energy dispersed into random th