Chemistry / Unit 11 Chem 2127 short lesson, about 20 seconds
ΔG Under Nonstandard Conditions
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The idea
Away from standard conditions, free energy change is ΔG = ΔG° + RT ln Q, adjusting the standard value by the reaction quotient Q.
In practice
A reaction with ΔG° slightly positive can still have ΔG negative, and proceed forward, if Q is small enough.
Where people slip
ΔG° describes standard conditions only; ΔG describes the mixture as it stands, and need not share ΔG°'s sign.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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