Thermodynamics Flashcards
Thermodynamics
the study of the energies of chemical reactions
a measurement of the difference in free energy between reactants and products
Kinetic energy
movement of molecules
Potential energy
energy stored in chemical bonds (ATP)
The First Law of Thermodynamics
the energy of the universe is constant
The Second Law of Thermodynamics
the disorder (entropy) of the universe tends to increase
Exergonic
energy exits the system
Endergonic
energy enters the system
endergonic reactions only occur when energy is added
Exothermic
release heat
Equilibrium
the point where the rate of reaction in the forward direction equals the rate of reaction in the reverse direction
Two factors that determine whether a reaction will occur spontaneously
The intrinsic properties of the reactants and products (Keq)
The concentrations of reactants and products (Q)
Spontaneous
a reaction is energetically favorable. It says nothing about the rate of the reaction
Chemical kinetics
study of reaction rates
Activation Energy
energy required to produce the transition state
Catalyst
lowers the Ea of a reaction without changing the delta G
stabilizes the transition state
It is not consumed in a reaction. It is regenerated with each reaction cycle
Enzymes
Biological catalysts
Have a kinetic role. Not a thermodynamic one
