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Question #44239

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Consider the following sequential reactions for the synthesis of a solid material \ceD(s)\ce{D(s)} from gaseous precursors \ceA(g)\ce{A(g)} and \ceB(g)\ce{B(g)}:

Step 1: \ceA(g)+B(g)⇌C(g)\ce{A(g) + B(g) \rightleftharpoons C(g)} Step 2: \ceC(g)⇌D(s)\ce{C(g) \rightleftharpoons D(s)}

The standard thermodynamic parameters (ΔHf∘\Delta H_f^\circ in kJ mol−1\text{kJ mol}^{-1}, S∘S^\circ in J K−1 mol−1\text{J K}^{-1} \text{ mol}^{-1}) at 298 K298 \text{ K} are given as follows: \ceA(g)\ce{A(g)} (5050, 200200); \ceB(g)\ce{B(g)} (5050, 200200); \ceC(g)\ce{C(g)} (−40-40, 200200); \ceD(s)\ce{D(s)} (−140-140, 100100).

Assuming these values are independent of temperature, identify the crossover temperature (TeqT_{eq}) for the overall net reaction, and the value of the net standard Gibbs free energy change (ΔGnet∘\Delta G^\circ_{net}) at 750 K750 \text{ K}.

Options

  • A.

    800 K800 \text{ K}, −15 kJ mol−1-15 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

  • B.

    700 K700 \text{ K}, −15 kJ mol−1-15 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

  • C.

    800 K800 \text{ K}, +10 kJ mol−1+10 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

  • D.

    1000 K1000 \text{ K}, −25 kJ mol−1-25 \text{ kJ mol}^{-1}

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Mechanism_Trap

Don't get tricked by the process! Learn the mechanical traps used in competitive exam questions.

Concepts Behind This Question

Spontaneity Criteria|Enthalpy Definition|Standard State Conditions

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the principles of Reaction Coupling and the Exothermic Fallacy (temperature-dependent spontaneity).

Students often fall into the trap of calculating the crossover temperature for only the first step (700 K) and incorrectly assume that because Step 1 is non-spontaneous at 750 K, the entire process is blocked.

The 'Hidden Variable' here is thermodynamic coupling: a highly exergonic subsequent step can drive an endergonic intermediate step forward, provided the net Gibbs free energy is negative.

Furthermore, it forces students to recognize that despite a highly exothermic enthalpy, the massive entropy decrease makes spontaneity strictly temperature-dependent, violating the heuristic that exothermic reactions are always spontaneous.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectChemistry
ChapterThermodynamics - Class 11 Part 1
ConceptSpontaneity Criteria
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree