Lesson 3: Entropy and Gibbs Free Energy
Duration of Days: 3
Lesson Objective
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Define entropy and Gibbs free energy
Explain the relationship between entropy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy
Calculate Gibbs free energy using the equation ?G = ?H - T?S
Predict the spontaneity of reactions using Gibbs free energy values
Interpret energy diagrams representing Gibbs free energy changes
How does entropy relate to the disorder of a system?
How can we use Gibbs free energy to predict if a reaction will occur spontaneously?
What factors influence the spontaneity of a reaction?
Entropy
Gibbs free energy
Spontaneity
Exergonic/Endergonic reactions
Thermodynamic potential
Standard free energy change
NGSS HS-PS3-2: Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy associated with the motions of particles and energy associated with the relative positions of particles.
Application of mathematical concepts to scientific problems
Data analysis and interpretation
Understanding of scientific principles and their real-world applications
This lesson introduces students to the concepts of entropy and Gibbs free energy, their relationship to each other and to enthalpy, and their role in determining the spontaneity of chemical reactions. Students will engage in lectures, problem-solving exercises, and hands-on activities to reinforce their understanding of these thermodynamic concepts.
To develop students' ability to predict and explain the spontaneity of chemical reactions using Gibbs free energy, and to understand its relevance in various scientific and industrial applications.
DOK Level 2-3
Discuss how Gibbs free energy is used in designing energy production and storage systems
Explore the application of entropy and Gibbs free energy in biological systems, such as enzyme reactions and metabolism
Relate these concepts to everyday phenomena, such as the melting of ice or the rusting of iron
Confusing entropy with disorder in a colloquial sense
Thinking that all exothermic reactions are spontaneous
Misunderstanding the relationship between temperature and spontaneity
Provide visual aids and energy diagrams for visual learners
Use physical models or online simulations for kinesthetic learners
Offer tiered assignments with varying levels of complexity
Implement group work for collaborative learning
Daily exit tickets
Problem sets involving Gibbs free energy calculations
Lab report on an experiment demonstrating the concept of entropy
End-of-unit quiz
Textbook
Worksheets with practice problems
Online simulations (e.g., PhET)
Calculators
Materials for hands-on activities (e.g., ice cubes, salt, beakers)
Whiteboard and markers