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About This Unit
In this unit, we will study thermodynamics, which helps us predict whether a chemical or physical change is likely to occur. This unit brings together many ideas from earlier units, including particle structure, bonding, energy, equilibrium, kinetics, acids and bases, and chemical reactions.
We will focus on why some changes happen without outside help, while others require energy to be added. You will learn how enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy work together to explain whether a process is thermodynamically favorable. Enthalpy is related to heat energy, entropy is related to the dispersal of matter and energy, and Gibbs free energy helps us predict whether a process is favorable under certain conditions.
A major focus of this unit is connecting particle-level changes to macroscopic observations. All changes in matter involve energy changes, whether the system is heating or cooling, changing phase, or undergoing a chemical reaction. You will also study how chemical reactions can be used to generate electrical energy in electrochemical cells.
On the AP Chemistry Exam, students are expected to explain the connection between enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, equilibrium, and thermodynamic favorability. Strong answers should use evidence from data or observations and explain whether enthalpy, entropy, or both are driving a process.
Essential Questions
- Why do some chemical or physical changes occur without outside intervention, while others require energy input?
- How can we determine whether a chemical or physical transformation is thermodynamically favorable?
- How are enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy related?
- How can enthalpy and entropy help explain what drives a reaction or physical change?
- How can macroscopic observations and experimental data provide evidence for energy and entropy changes?
- How are thermodynamics, equilibrium, and kinetics connected?
- Why might a thermodynamically favorable reaction still happen slowly?
- Why can an unfavorable reaction sometimes be forced to occur?
- How can chemical reactions be used to generate electrical energy?
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