Thermodynamics Flashcards
What is the defintion of kinetic energy?
movement of molecules
What is the definition of potential energy?
energy stored in chemical bonds
What is the most important potential energy storage molecule?
ATP
What is the first law of thermodynamics?
Law of Conservation of Energy = the energy of the universe is constant. when the energy of the system decreases, the energy of the rest of the universe must increase
What is the second law of thermodynamics?
the disorder, or the entropy, of the universe tends to increase
What is entropy?
(S) = disorder
What is Gibbs Free Energy?
mathematical notion that is used to discuss thermodynamics. a change in the Gibbs free energy will determine whether a reaction is spontaneous (favorable) or nonspontaneous (unfavorable)
In relation to Gibbs Free Energy, what is the most favorable reactions?
when deltaG < 0
What is the definition of exergonic?
when energy exits the system
What is the definition of endergonic?
reactions that require energy to be added
What is an exothermic reaction?
reactions that have a negative deltaH, liberate heat
What is an endothermic reaction?
reactions that require an input of heat, they have a positive deltaH
In relation to a reaction, when/what is equilibrium?
the point where the rate of the reaction in the forward direction equals the rate of the reaction in the reverse direction
What are the two factors that determine if a reaction will occur spontaneously?
the instrinsic properties of the reactants and products (Keq)
the concentrations of reactions and products (RTlnQ)
