Chapter 17: Thermodynamics

Chemical reactions don’t just happen—they happen for a reason. Thermodynamics helps us understand why some processes occur naturally and others require a sustained push. Chapter 17 will dive into the details of enthalpy, entropy, and free energy to explain why change - both chemical and physical - occurs.

Lesson 1: Spontaneity and Energy

  1. What is Thermodynamics?
  2. Spontaneous Processes
  3. The First Law of Thermodynamics

Lesson 2: Spontaneity and Entropy

  1. Driving Forces for Change
  2. What is Entropy?
  3. Mathematics of Entropy Change
  4. The Second Law of Thermodynamics

Lesson 3: Spontaneity and Gibbs Free Energy

  1. Predicting Spontaneity with Gibbs Free Energy
  2. Gibbs Free Energy and Equilibrium