Question

Calculate the molar Gibbs free energy (or chemical potential) change for transferring 1 mole of Na and K+ ions against the concentration gradient and electric field at 300 K.

a) ΔG = RT ln(ionic concentration).
b) ΔG = -RT ln(ionic concentration).
c) ΔG = ionic concentration / RT.
d) ΔG = RT / ionic concentration.

Answer 1

The molar Gibbs free energy change can be calculated using the Nernst equation, which is ΔG = -RT ln(ionic concentration).

Step-by-step explanation:

The molar Gibbs free energy change for transferring 1 mole of Na and K+ ions against the concentration gradient and electric field at 300 K can be calculated using the Nernst equation. The correct equation is ΔG = -RT ln(ionic concentration), as stated in option b. The negative sign indicates that the process is nonspontaneous. The value of R is the ideal gas constant (8.3145 J K mol-¹) and T is the temperature in Kelvin. The ln(ionic concentration) term accounts for the concentration gradient.