The value of DeltaH_(vap) of substance X is 45.7 kJ/mol and its normal boiling point is 72.5 degrees C. How do you calculate DeltaS_(vap), DeltaS_(surr) and DeltaG_(vap) for the vaporization of one mole of this substance at 72.5°C and 1 atm?

1 Answer
Jan 5, 2017

The key here is to realize that phase transitions are phase equilibria, i.e. DeltaG_"trs" = 0.

Thus, immediately, color(blue)(DeltaG_("vap","345.65 K")^@ = "0 kJ") (where the ""^@ only implies standard pressure). This is the case if we simultaneously have DeltaP = 0 and DeltaT = 0, and that is the case for phase transitions under "lab bench" conditions.

As a result, we also have the following relationship to consider:

DeltaG = DeltaH - TDeltaS

but...

cancel(DeltaG_("vap","345.65 K")^@)^(0) = DeltaH_("vap","345.65 K")^@ - T_bDeltaS_("vap","345.65 K")^@

Thus:

color(blue)(DeltaS_("vap","345.65 K")^@) = (DeltaH_("vap","345.65 K")^@)/T_b

= (45.7 cancel"kJ""/"cancel"mol")/("345.65 K") xx "1000 J"/cancel"1 kJ" xx cancel"1 mol"

= color(blue)("132.2 J/K")

In a situation where perfect conservation of energy holds (which we usually assume), we should consider whether the system is open to the air or not.

If the system is closed, insulated, and rigid, then DeltaS_("surr","345.65 K")^@ = 0, since nothing escapes into the surroundings, no molecules outside of the system are touched, and the surroundings' entropy is not altered.

If the system is open to the air, then DeltaS_"vap" = -DeltaS_"surr", and

color(blue)(DeltaS_("surr","345.65 K")^@ = -"132.2 J/K")