GEN CHEM Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is the Collision Theory?
Reactions occur when particles collide with enough energy and proper orientation.
What is a Catalyst and how does it affect the Reaction Rate?
A catalyst speeds up a reaction by lowering activation energy, without being consumed.
What is Entropy (ΔS) of a reaction?
Entropy measures disorder or randomness.
Higher entropy = more disorder.
How does Entropy affect Spontaneity?
If entropy increases (ΔS > 0), a reaction is more likely to be spontaneous.
What is Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG)?
ΔG = ΔH – TΔS
If ΔG < 0 → spontaneous
If ΔG > 0 → non-spontaneous
What is Chemical Equilibrium?
A state where the rate of forward reaction equals the rate of reverse reaction.
What is the Equilibrium Constant (K)?
K = [products]^x / [reactants]^y
It shows the ratio of concentrations at equilibrium.
How does changing pressure or concentration affect equilibrium?
It shifts the position of equilibrium to restore balance (Le Chatelier’s Principle).
What is Le Chatelier’s Principle?
When a system at equilibrium is disturbed, it shifts to counteract the change.
What is a Brønsted Acid and Base?
Acid: Proton donor (H⁺)
Base: Proton acceptor
What is the Acid-Base Property of Water?
Water is amphoteric – it can act as both an acid and a base.
What is pH?
pH = –log[H⁺]
It measures acidity:
pH < 7 = Acid
pH = 7 = Neutral
pH > 7 = Base
What are Buffer Solutions?
Solutions that resist pH changes when small amounts of acid or base are added.
What is an Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reaction?
Oxidation: Loss of electrons
Reduction: Gain of electrons
What is a Galvanic Cell?
A device that converts chemical energy to electrical energy via redox reactions.
What is Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)?
E°cell = E°cathode – E°anode
Positive E°cell means the redox reaction is spontaneous.
What is the Spontaneity of Redox Reactions based on E°cell?
If E°cell > 0, the redox reaction is spontaneous.
What are Batteries?
Portable galvanic cells that provide energy via redox reactions.
What is Corrosion?
A redox process where metals are gradually destroyed, often by reacting with water and oxygen.
What is Electrolysis?
Using electricity to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, usually for decomposition.
