Natural Sciences >> ChemistryThe Calculus Behind Spontaneityby Hirah Khan
Submitted : Spring 2012 This project was approached by first constructing a curve plotting G values versus the reaction coordinate and then using Calculus tools, specifically the derivative, to analyze the spontaneity of an experiment. For this paper the reaction between Aluminum and Iron Oxide was analyzed and then plotted. Once the graph was drawn out, the derivative was taken at various points and then analyzed to determine the spontaneity of the entire experiment. The results of this specific experiment showed that where the derivative of the graph was negative the experiment continued spontaneously until it reached equilibrium, at which the derivative proved to be zero explaining why a negative delta G signifies spontaneity as a delta G value of zero signifies equilibrium. Related Links:
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