Engineering Chemistry

Module -2

A. Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of the relations between heat, work, temperature, and energy. The laws of
thermodynamics describe how the energy in a system changes and whether the system can perform useful work
on its surroundings.

1
 Thermodynamics: Basic Terminologies

the quantity of matter or a region Properties of a system:

Thermodynamic Systems: in space upon which attention is
# Intensive Properties:
concentrated in the analysis of a
problem
Everything
external to A thermodynamic system is a
body of matter confined in
the system space by walls, with
defined permeabilities,
which separate it from its
surroundings. The
surroundings may include
other thermodynamic
systems, or physical # Extensive Properties
systems.

2
 Thermodynamics: Basic Terminologies

Thermodynamic function: Thermodynamic functions Internal energy (U)

are properties of a system that describe its state and the = Kinetic energy + Potential energy
changes it undergoes. They are crucial for understanding
energy transfer and/or transformations within a system.
∙ It’s a state function & an extensive property
# State function: of the system.
Depends on the ∙ Internal energy of a system changes when
initial state & final energy is transferred into or outside the
state; independent system in the form of heat or work
of the path used to
reach from.
Example:
T (Temperature),
P (Pressure),
U (Internal energy),
H (Enthalpy) etc.

# Path function:
Depends on the path between the initial & final
state. Example: W (work done), q (heat transferred) etc. 3
 Thermodynamics: Basic Terminologies
State of a system
➢ The state of thermodynamic variables such as Work done on/by the system
pressure, temperature, volume, composition W (Work) = F (force) x w (distance moved in the direction of force)
which describes the system is called state of
the system.
➢ when one/more variables undergo change,
the system is said to have undergone a
change of state
• Adiabatic – no heat transferred
• Isothermal – constant temperature
• Isobaric – constant pressure
• Isochoric – constant volume

➢ Gas is heated  it will expand and push the piston, thereby doing work on the piston.
The work done (dw) when the system expands by dV against a pressure Pex: dw = − PexdV
𝒗
Total work done by the system to expand from volume Vi to Vf: W = − ‫ 𝒙𝒆𝑷 𝒇 𝒗׬‬dv
𝒊

 This is an example of the system doing the work on the surrounding 4

 Reversible Process in Thermodynamics
# Example 1:
❑ A thermodynamics process is
Thermal equilibrium of two systems with the same temperature
reversible if the process can be
▪ If the temperature of either system is lowered infinitesimally,
turned back such that both the
then energy flows into the system with the lower temperature.
system and the surroundings
▪ If the temperature of either system at thermal equilibrium is
return to their original states,
raised infinitesimally, then energy flows out of the hotter system
with no other change
anywhere else in the universe. # Example 2:
Reversible expansion:
➢ In reality, no such processes as Suppose a gas is confined by a piston.
reversible processes can exist. external pressure (Pex) = pressure (P) of the confined gas.
Thus, a more appropriate ▪ Such a system is in mechanical equilibrium with its surroundings
definition is a reversible change because an infinitesimal change in the external pressure in either
in thermodynamics is direction causes changes in volume in the opposite directions.
A change that can be reversed by an dw =- 𝑃𝑒𝑥𝑑𝑉 = −𝑝𝑑𝑉
infinitesimal modification of a variable. 𝑣
W = − ‫𝑝 𝑓 𝑣׬‬dv
𝑖

5
 0th Law of Thermodynamics

➢ According to 0th law:

If two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system,
then those two systems are in thermal equilibrium with each
other.

❑ Two physical systems are in thermal

equilibrium if there is no net flow of
heat (thermal energy) between
them when they are connected by a
path permeable to heat.

➢ The 0th law of thermodynamics defines thermal equilibrium and

forms a basis for the definition of temperature.

6
 1st Law of Thermodynamics

▪ It’s the law of conservation of energy

❑ The energy of an isolated system remains constant. Whenever a quantity of energy (some form)
disappears, an exactly equivalent quantity of energy (some other form) must make an appearance.

➢ Heat (q) and work (w) are equivalent ways of changing the internal energy of a system
→ Example:
o If a weight has been raised/lowered in the surroundings, transfer of energy happens by doing the work.
o If ice has melted in the surroundings, it indicated transfer of energy as heat.

➢ For a system, if w = work done on a system, q

= energy transferred as heat to a system & 𝜟𝑼 = 𝒒 + 𝒘
ΔU = resulting change in internal energy
The sign of w and q:
✓ +ve if energy is transferred to the system as work/heat
✓ -ve if energy is lost from the system.
Therefore,
change in internal energy (𝛥𝑈 ) of a system = heat added to the system (q) - the work done by the system (w)

𝜟𝑼 = 𝒒 − 𝒘 7
 Enthalpy & Heat Capacity

➢ If the change of a system is brought about at ❑ Heat capacity (C) of a system between any two
constant pressure, there will be change in temperatures – the quantity of heat (q) required to raise
volume. the temperature of the system from the lower temperature
(T1) to the higher temperature (T2) divided by the
Vi = volume of initial state, Vf = volume of final state. temperature difference. 𝒒
Work done by the system, 𝑤 = −𝑃 (𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝑖 ) 𝑪=
𝑻𝟐 − 𝑻𝟏
ΔU = q + w ☻ If mass of the system is 1 g,
or, ΔU = q − P (𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝑖 ) the heat capacity is called the specific heat of the system
☻ For 1 mol of substance,
 𝑈𝑓 − 𝑈𝑖 = q – P 𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝑖
the heat capacity is termed as ‘molar heat capacity’
 (𝑈𝑓 + 𝑃𝑉𝑓 ) − 𝑈𝑖 + 𝑃𝑉𝑖 = 𝑞
𝑑𝑞
❑ The quantity (U + PV) is called the ➢ Molar heat capacity varies with temperature C=
𝑑𝑇
enthalpy (H) of the system
 𝐻𝑓 − 𝐻𝑖 = 𝑞
❑ Molar heat capacity at constant volume
𝜕𝑈
ΔU = ΔH – PΔV 𝐶𝑣 =
@ constant volume w = 0 & ΔU = q 𝜕𝑇 𝑣
or, ΔH = ΔU + PΔV
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 Heat Capacity
❑ Molar heat capacity at constant pressure (Cp)
ΔU = q + w
@ constant pressure, 𝝏𝑯
ΔU = q – P (𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝑖 ) As quantity (U+PV) is the 
there is change in volume 𝑪𝒑 =
or, q = ΔU + pΔV enthalpy (H) of the system 𝝏𝑻
& some work is done 𝒑

❑ Relationship between Cp & Cv ▪ For ideal gas, PV = RT (for 1 mole)

Δ(PV) = R ΔT
For a system, ΔH = ΔU + Δ(PV)
ΔH ΔU Δ(PV) RΔ(T)
or,
ΔT = ΔT + ΔT 𝐶𝑝 = 𝐶𝑣 +
ΔT or, 𝐶𝑝 = 𝐶𝑣 + R

Δ(PV) or, 𝑪𝒑 ― 𝑪𝒗 = R
or, 𝑪𝒑 = 𝑪𝒗 +
ΔT
CV = 3/2 R (For monoatomic ideal gas)
CP = 5/2 R (For monoatomic ideal gas)
𝑪𝒑
Heat capacity ratio, 𝜸 = 𝑪𝒗
= 5/3 for a monoatomic ideal gas
9
Application of 1st Law to the Expansion Work

⮚ Isothermal Process (constant temperature)

▪ In an isothermal process,
the temperature stays
constant, so the pressure
and volume are
work done inversely proportional to
one another

⇒ For an ideal gas,

The internal energy (U) ∝ Temperature (T)
if T = fixed, ΔU = 0 (according to 1st law, which deals with ΔU)

Pressure-volume diagram ▪ If the system does work, the energy

comes from heat flowing into the
system from the surrounding
# Magnitude of w depends on whether ▪ if work is done on the system, heat
the expansion is reversible or flows out of the system to the
irreversible. surrounding.
10
 Application of 1st Law to the Expansion Work

➢ Reversible isothermal expansion:

𝑣 𝑣 𝑛𝑅𝑇
w = ‫ 𝑓 𝑣׬‬−𝑃dv = − ‫𝑓 𝑣׬‬ dv (as PV = nRT)
𝑖 𝑖 𝑉
(throughout the expansion, Pex = P as the expansion is reversible)
▪ Work done by the n moles of gas can be evaluated as:
𝑉𝑓 𝑃𝑖
w = − 𝑛𝑅𝑇 ln = −𝑛𝑅𝑇 ln
𝑉𝑖 𝑃𝑓
𝑉𝑓 𝑃𝑖
(since = in an isothermal expansion of a perfect gas)
𝑉𝑖 𝑃𝑓
➢ The work done by a perfect gas when it
➢ Relations for Irreversible Isothermal expansion expands reversibly and isothermally is equal
to the area under the isotherm p = nRT/V.
a) Free expansion (expansion in vacuum) ➢ The work done during the irreversible
𝑣
w = ‫ 𝑥𝑒𝑃 𝑓 𝑣׬‬dv =0 expansion against the same final pressure is
𝑖
a) Volume of the gas expands against a constant pressure. equal to the rectangular area shown slightly
𝑣 darker. Note that the reversible work done
w = ‫ 𝑥𝑒𝑃 𝑓 𝑣׬‬dv = – Pex (Vf – Vi)
𝑖
is greater than the irreversible work done.
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 Application of 1st Law to the Expansion Work
➢ Adiabatic process (constant heat) ➢ Reversible adiabatic expansion
▪ no heat is added/ removed from a system. ▪ Relation between T, V and P
▪ 1st law of thermodynamics: 𝛾−1
ΔU = w 𝑇𝑖 𝑉𝑓
= 𝑇𝑖 𝑉𝑓
𝑇𝑓 𝑉𝑖  ln = 𝛾 − 1 𝑙𝑛
(as no heat is allowed to enter/leave the system, q = 0) 𝑇𝑓 𝑉𝑖

✓ Example: A gas expanding so quickly that no heat can be 𝑇𝑖 𝑪𝒑 𝑉𝑓 𝐶𝑝

 ln = − 1 𝑙𝑛 [𝑎𝑠, 𝛾 = ]
transferred. Due to the expansion work, temperature 𝑇𝑓 𝑪𝒗 𝑉𝑖 𝐶𝑣
drops. This is exactly what happens with a carbon dioxide 𝑇𝑖 𝑹 𝑉𝑓
fire extinguisher, with the gas coming out at high  ln 𝑇𝑓
=
𝑪𝒗
𝑙𝑛
𝑉𝑖
[𝑎𝑠, 𝐶𝑝 ― 𝐶𝑣 = R]
pressure and cooling as it expands at atmos. pressure
𝑻𝒊 𝑽𝒇
→ Expansion: w = -ve, ∆𝑼 = ― ve;  𝑪𝒗 ln
𝑻𝒇
= 𝑹 𝒍𝒏
𝑽𝒊
So, T of the system falls
 Work is done by the system at the expense of its ➢ Irreversible adiabatic expansion
internal energy ▪ Free expansion (Pex = 0) : ∆𝑇 = 0, 𝑊 = 0, ∆𝐻 = 0
▪ w = ∆𝑈 = 𝑪𝒗 𝚫𝑻 (for 1 mole of gas) ▪ Expansion against a constant pressure:
𝑇𝑖 𝑃𝑓 −𝑇𝑓 𝑃𝑖
▪ ∆𝐻 = 𝑪𝒑 𝚫𝑻 (for 1 mole of gas) 𝐶𝑣 𝑇𝑓 − 𝑇𝑖 = 𝑅 𝑃𝑒𝑥
𝑃𝑖 𝑃𝑓
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 Application of 1st Law to the Expansion Work
➢ Isobaric process (constant pressure) ➢ Isochoric process (constant volume)

▪ the pressure is kept constant. ▪ the volume is kept constant

▪ The work done by the system in an isobaric process is ▪ The work done is zero in an isochoric process
simply the pressure multiplied by the change in
volume ✓ . Example of an isochoric system: A gas in a box
✓ Example of an isobaric system: A gas, being slowly with fixed walls
heated or cooled, confined by a piston in a cylinder.

13
 Numerical from of 1st Law

❖ Example 1: Calculate w and ∆𝑈 for the conversion of 1 ❖ Example 2: 1 mole of an ideal gas expands against
mole of water at 100 ℃ to steam at 1 atm pressure. a constant external pressure of 1 atm from a
Heat of vaporisation of water at 100 ℃ is 40670 Jmol-1 volume of 10 dm3 to a volume of 30 dm3. Calculate
Assume ideal gas behaviour the work done by the gas in Joules.
Solution: Solution:
P = 1 atm 𝑤 = −𝑃𝑒𝑥𝛥𝑉
Vi = vol. of 1 mole of liquid water at 1 atm pressure
= − 1 𝑎𝑡𝑚 30 𝑑𝑚3 − 10𝑑𝑚3
= 18 ml = 18 × 10-3 L
Vf = nRT/P = 1 x .0821 x 373/1 = 30.6 L = −20 𝑑𝑚3 𝑎𝑡𝑚
w =P (Vf - Vi)
= 1 (30.6 -0.018) = 30.582 L atm = 30.582 x 101. 35 1 dm3 atm = 101.325 J
= 3099.48 J Therefore,
𝑤 = −20 𝑑𝑚3 𝑎𝑡𝑚
Since, conversion of water to steam is accompanied
by increase in volume, work is done by the system w = −20 𝑑𝑚3 × 101.325 = - 2026.5 J
on the surroundings.
Hence, w = 3099 Jmol-1
Since, ΔU = Q-W = 40,670-3099 = 37,571 Jmol-1 14
 Numerical from of 1st Law

❖ Example 3: 1 mole of an ideal monoatomic gas at 27 C expands reversibly and adiabatically from a volume of
𝐶 3
10 dm3 to a volume of 20 dm3. Calculate q, ∆U, W and ∆H. Given 𝑣 =
𝑅 2
Solution:
Since the process is adiabatic, q = 0 Since for an adiabatic process, q =0,
𝑇𝑓 𝑉𝑖 hence ΔU = w = 1384 J
𝐶𝑣 ln = 𝑅 ln
𝑇𝑖 𝑉𝑓
3 𝑇𝑓 10 𝑑𝑚3
 ln = ln( )  Tf = 189K ΔH can also be calculated by using the relation 𝑑𝐻 = 𝐶𝑝 𝑑𝑇
2 300 20 𝑑𝑚3
𝜕𝑈 For a finite change in n moles,
𝐶𝑣 =  𝑑𝑈 = 𝐶𝑣 𝑑𝑇 ∆𝑈 = 𝑛𝐶𝑣∆𝑇
𝜕𝑇 𝑣 5
= (1 mol) × 8.314 𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1 (189 − 300)𝐾
For a finite change in n moles, 2
∆𝑈 = 𝑛𝐶𝑣 ∆𝑇 = – 2307 J
3
= (1 mol) × 8.314 𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1 (189 − 300)𝐾
2
= – 1384 J
❖ Example 4: 10 moles of an ideal gas expands reversibly and isothermally from a pressure of 10 atm to 2 atm at
300 K. Calculate the work done.
𝑃𝑖 10 𝑎𝑡𝑚
Solution: w = 𝑛𝑅𝑇 ln =(10 mol) 8.314 𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1 300 𝐾 ln = 40.15 × 103J 15
𝑃𝑓 2 𝑎𝑡𝑚
 2nd Law of Thermodynamics
▪ Why we need for the 2nd law of thermodynamics?
➢ the 1st law uses the internal energy to identify
→ The 1st law of thermodynamics does not tell us
permissible changes
anything about the direction of change. The
➢ the 2nd law uses the entropy to identify which of
direction of spontaneous change of a process is
these permissible changes are spontaneous.
defined by the 2nd law of thermodynamics
→ A spontaneous process points towards the
❑ 2nd law of thermodynamics direction in which the total entropy increases.
▪ Heat does not flow spontaneously from a cool body ➢ Entropy (S) is a state function
to a hotter body
➢ Thermodynamic definition of entropy
▪ The entropy (S) of an isolated system increases in
the course of a spontaneous change. → The thermodynamic definition of entropy
ΔStot > 0 concentrates on the change in entropy (dS)
that occurs as the result of a physical or
Where, Stot = S + Ssur chemical process.
S = the entropy of the system of interest, & → dqrev is the energy transferred as heat
Ssur = the entropy of the surroundings reversibly to the system at the absolute
# Note: when considering applications of the 2nd law – it is a temperature T.
statement about the total entropy of the overall isolated
𝒇 𝒅𝒒
system (the ‘universe’), not just about the entropy of the 𝒅𝑺 = 𝒅𝒒𝒓𝒆𝒗ൗ𝑻, 𝜟𝑺 = ‫𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊׬‬
𝑻
system of interest. 16
 Entropy
▪ Process that lead to an increase in entropy (ΔS > 0) ➢ Entropy change for the system of an isothermal
expansion of a perfect gas

ΔU = 0, q = − w  𝑞𝑟𝑒𝑣 = −𝑤𝑟𝑒𝑣
as, wrev = − nRT ln (𝑉𝑓 /𝑉𝑖)
[from the expression of work done in a reversible
isothermal expression]
 𝑞𝑟𝑒𝑣 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖)

as 𝑑𝑆 = 𝑑𝑞𝑟𝑒𝑣ൗ𝑇

 Δ𝑆 = 𝑛𝑅𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖)

Δ𝑆𝑚 = 𝑛𝑅𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖)

☻ Notice the increasing disorder in above processes 17

 Entropy
➢ Total Entropy change in irreversible (spontaneous) ➢ Isothermal Reversible expansion
process of a perfect gas w = −𝑝Δ𝑉 & qrev = 𝑝Δ𝑉
✓ example: Isothermal expansion of an ideal gas at 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑆𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 + 𝑆𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
constant temperature into vacuum 𝑞𝑟𝑒𝑣 𝑞𝑟𝑒𝑣
= + −
𝑇 𝑇
As, w = 0, 𝛥𝑈 = 0  𝑞 = 0 [from 1st law] =0
 no heat is absorbed by
or removed from the surrounding, ▪ In an isolated system, there is no heat transfer and
Hence, Δ𝑆𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 0 𝑑𝑞 = 0 , thus dS ≥ 0
Δ𝑆𝑚 = 𝑅𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖)  all natural processes are spontaneous & irreversible.
As, 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑆𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 + 𝑆𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
 Δ 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑆𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 + 𝑆𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 ▪ Reversible process:
= 𝑅𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖) + 0 𝑑𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑑𝑆𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 + 𝑑𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 = 0
= 𝑅𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖) ▪ Irreversible process
→ As Vf > 𝑉𝑖, this spontaneous 𝑑𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 > 𝑑𝑆𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 + 𝑑𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 > 0
(irreversible) isothermal expansion of a  all spontaneous process occurring in Nature
gas is accompanied by the increase in is irreversible, entropy of the universe is
entropy. increasing continuously 18
 Entropy

▪ The 1st law & the 2nd law of thermodynamics were summed up by German Physicist Rudolf Clausius as below:
The energy of the universe remains constant; the entropy of the universe tends towards a maximum

➢ Entropy change during different processes

▪ For an ideal gas in an isobaric process

𝑇𝑓
∆𝑆𝑃 = 𝐶𝑝 ln dQ = n Cp dT
𝑇𝑖 Dividing both sides by T, we get
▪ For an ideal gas in an isochoric process dQ/T = n Cp dT/T
𝑇𝑓 dS =n Cp dT/T
∆𝑆𝑣 = 𝐶𝑣 ln Integrating both sides, we get
𝑇𝑖
▪ For an ideal gas in an isothermal process ∫dS =nCp ∫dT/T
𝑉𝑓 𝑃𝑓 S2−S1=nCpln(T2/T1)
∆𝑆𝑇 = 𝑅 ln = − 𝑅 ln ⇒ΔSp=nCpln(T2/T1)
𝑉𝑖 𝑃𝑖
▪ For an ideal gas (1 mole) with variable T & V
𝑇𝑓 𝑉𝑓
∆𝑆 = 𝐶𝑣 ln + 𝑅 ln
𝑇𝑖 𝑉𝑖
▪ For an ideal gas with variable P & T
𝑇𝑓 𝑃𝑓
∆𝑆 = 𝐶𝑝 ln − 𝑅 ln
𝑇𝑖 𝑃𝑖 19
 Numerical from 2nd Law of Thermodynamics

❖ Example 4: 5 mole of an ideal gas expands ❖ Example 5: Calculate the change in entropy accompanying
reversibly from a volume of 8 dm3 to 80 the heating of 1 mole of Helium gas (assumed ideal) from
dm3 at a temperature of 27 ∘C. Calculate the a temperature of 298 K to a temperature of 1000 K at
change in entropy. constant pressure. Assume Cv =3/2 R
Solution: Solution: As 𝐶𝑝 − 𝐶𝑣 = 𝑅
Δ𝑆 = 𝑛𝑅𝑙𝑛(𝑉𝑓/𝑉𝑖)  Cp =𝐶𝑣 + 𝑅 = 2.5 𝑅
Given that 𝑛 = 5, 𝑉𝑓 = 80 dm3, 𝑉𝑖 = 8 dm3 𝑇𝑓 1000𝐾
∆𝑆𝑃 = 𝐶𝑝 ln = 2.5 × 8.314 𝐽𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1 ln
𝑇𝑖 298𝐾
Δ𝑆 = (5 mol) (8.314 J K-1mol-1) 𝑙𝑛(80 dm3/8 dm3) = 25.17 𝐽𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1
= 95.73 JK-1
❖ Example 6: 1 mol of an ideal gas expands reversibly from a volume of 10 dm3 and 298 K to a volume of 20 dm3
and temperature 250 K. Assuming Cv =3/2 R, calculate the entropy change for the process.
Solution: 𝑇𝑓 𝑉𝑓
∆𝑆 = 𝐶𝑣 ln + 𝑅 ln
𝑇𝑖 𝑉𝑖
250 𝐾
= 1.5 (8.314 𝐽𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1 ) ln + (8.314 𝐽𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 𝐾 −1 ) ln (20 dm3/10
298𝐾
dm3)
= 3.57 JK-1mol-1
20
 Entropy

▪ The 1st law & the 2nd law of thermodynamics were summed up by German Physicist Rudolf Clausius as below:
The energy of the universe remains constant; the entropy of the universe tends towards a maximum
➢ Heat engine
▪ Its a device which transforms heat into work
▪ This happens in a cyclic process
▪ Heat engines require a hot reservoir to supply energy
(QH) and a cold reservoir to take in the excess energy (QC)
– QH is defined as positive, QC is defined as negative

➢ Carnot Cycle
▪ A Carnot cycle (named after the French engineer Sadi
Carnot) consists of four reversible stages in which a gas
(the working substance) is either expanded/compressed in
various ways
▪ To demonstrate the maximum convertibility of heat into
work
▪ The system consists of 1 mole of an ideal gas which is
21
subjected to four strokes
 Carnot Cycle

➢ Four stages of Carnot Cycle: A. 1st stroke:

Curve AB: A→B: Isothermal expansion at Th
Work done by the gas
 The gas is placed in thermal contact with QH (at Th) and
undergoes reversible isothermal expansion from A to B.
 The entropy change is qh/Th ( qh = the energy supplied to the
system as heat from the hot source)
𝑽𝑩
𝒒𝒉 = −𝒘𝟏 = 𝑹𝑻𝒉 𝒍𝒏
𝑽𝑨
B. 2nd stroke:
Curve BC (B → C): Adiabatic expansion,
Work done by the gas
 Contact with QH is broken & the gas undergoes
reversible adiabatic expansion from B to C.
 No energy leaves the system as heat, ΔS = 0
Since  The expansion is carried on until the temperature of
𝜕𝑈 the gas falls from Th to Tc (the temperature of Qc)
𝐶𝑣 = −𝒘𝟐 = −𝑪𝒗 (𝑻𝒉 − 𝑻𝒄 )
𝜕𝑇 𝑣
23
Carnot Cycle
C. 3rd stroke:
Curve CD (C → D): Isothermal compression at TC,
Work done on the gas.
▪ The gas is placed in contact with the cold sink (Qc) and
undergoes a reversible isothermal compression from C to D at Tc.
▪ Energy is released as heat to the cold sink; the entropy change of
the system = qc/Tc, where qc is negative.
𝑉𝐷
−𝑞𝑐 = 𝑤3 = 𝑅𝑇𝑐 ln
𝑉𝐶
D. 4th stroke:
Curve DA (D → A): Adiabatic compression
Work done on the gas
▪ Contact with Qc is broken and the gas undergoes
reversible adiabatic compression from D to A such
that the final temperature is Th.
▪ No energy enters the system as heat, so the q is zero.
▪ Hence, ΔU = -w
𝑤4 = 𝐶𝑣 (𝑇ℎ − 𝑇𝑐 )
24
 Carnot Cycle

▪ The area enclosed by the four curves represents the

net work done by the engine in one cycle
▪ The total change in entropy around the cycle is the
sum of the changes in each of these four steps:

Efficiency of a heat engine

• The thermal efficiency of a heat
engine is

• Another statement of the 2nd Law:

– It is impossible for any process to have as its sole
result the transfer of heat from a cooler object to a
warmer object
[Kelvin’s statement] [Clausius’s statement]
25
26
 Application of the Carnot Cycle

• Energy efficiency of the

Carnot cycle is independent
of its working substance.
• Any cyclic process that
absorbs heat at one
temperature and rejects
heat at another
temperature and is
reversible has the energy
efficiency of a Carnot cycle.

→ Thermal devices or thermal machines are one of

the applications of this cycle.
→ Refrigeration, Air conditioners & Heat pumps
✓ The heat pumps to produce heating,
● These appliances are heat engines operating
✓ the refrigerators to produce cooling,
in reverse.
✓ the steam turbines used in the ships,
● By doing work, heat is extracted from the cold
✓ the combustion engines of the combustion vehicles
reservoir & exhausted to the hot reservoir
✓ the reaction turbines of the aircraft 27
 Numerical
❖ Example 1: Calculate the efficiency of a ❖ Example 3: Heat supplied to a Carnot engine is 1897.8 kJ. How
certain power station operates with much useful work can be done by the engine which works
superheated steam at 300 ℃ (Th = 573 K) between 0 ∘C and 100 ∘C.
and discharges the waste heat into the
Solution:
environment at 20 ℃ (T = 293 K).
Tc​= 0 + 273 = 273 K, Th ​= 100 + 273 = 373 K
Solution: Tc= (1 − η)Th qh = 1897.8 kJ
 η = 1 – (Tc /Th) w = 𝑞ℎ × (1 − 𝑐 )
𝑇
𝑇ℎ
Theoretical efficiency (η) = 1 – (293K/573K) = 1897.8 kJ × (1 −
273 𝐾
)
= 0.489 373 𝐾
= 508.7 kJ
= 48.9 %
 Work done by the engine is 508.7 kJ
# In practice, there are other losses due to
mechanical friction and the fact that
turbines do not operate reversibly.
❖ Example 2: Calculate the maximum efficiency of a heat engine operating between 100 ∘C and 25 ∘C
Solution: 𝜂 = 1 – (298 K/373 K)
Tc​ = 25 + 273 = 298K Tc= (1 − η)Th
For engines, we have = 0.201
Th​ = 100 + 273 = 373 K  η = 1 – (Tc /Th)
= 20.1 % 28
 Free Energy
➢ Free energy and the spontaneity
▪ As, Δ 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 = 𝑆𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 + 𝑆𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔
and Δ 𝑆𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 is a criterion for the spontaneity/feasibility of a process.

▪ It is not always easy to know the entropy change of both system and the surrounding
▪ We can express this in terms of G (the free energy function) and thus can device a criterion of
spontaneity in terms of the state function of the system.
▪ There are few assumptions:
→ Assumption no 1:
The system is in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings at a temperature T.
→ Assumption no 2:
Heat transfer between the system and the surrounding happens at constant volume
→ Assumption no 3:
Heat transfer between the system and the surrounding happens at constant pressure.

29
 Free Energy
➢ Under the Assumption 1 & Assumption 2 ▪ The criterion of spontaneity in terms of Gibbs Free
𝑑𝑈 energy change (dG) and Helmholtz energy (dA)
Clausius inequality becomes: dS − ≥0
𝑇
𝑑𝐺 ≤ 0 & 𝑑𝐴 ≤ 0
[we get this by applying the1st law &
the 𝑑 𝑞𝑣 = 𝑑𝑈] ➢ In an endothermic reaction:
dH > 0
 TdS ≥ dU but if such a reaction is to be spontaneous at constant
dA=dU−TdS [A = Helmholtz free energy] temperature and pressure, G must decrease.

 A=U−TS ▪ as dG = dH − TdS
it is possible for dG to be
negative provided that
➢ Under the Assumption 1 & Assumption 3 the entropy of the system
𝑑𝐻
Clausius inequality becomes: dS − ≥ 0 increases so much that
𝑇
[constant P, no additional work] TdS outweighs dH.
 TdS ≥ dH  Endothermic
reactions are
dG=dH−TdS [G = Gibbs free energy] therefore driven by
 G=H−TS the increase of
entropy of the system
30
 Free Energy

➢ In an exothermic reactions

▪ commonly spontaneous ➢ At chemical equilibrium,

because dH < 0 & then dG < 0 provided TdS is not so
negative that it outweighs the decrease in enthalpy. ➢ dG = 0
▪ Free energy change with temperature
and pressure:
𝑃2
∆𝐺 = 𝑛𝑅𝑇 ln
𝑃1
𝑉
= 𝑛𝑅𝑇 ln 1
𝑉2

ΔG = ΔG° + RT InQ Where Q is the reaction quotient.

At equilibrium,
∆G = 0, and Q becomes equal to the equilibrium constant. Hence,
the equation becomes,
ΔG° = –RT In K(eq)
ΔG° = –2.303 RT log K(eq)
31
 3rd Law of Thermodynamics
▪ At T = 0, all energy of thermal motion has
been quenched and in a perfect crystal all the
atoms/ions are in a regular, uniform array.
▪ The localization of matter and the absence of
thermal motion suggest that such materials
also have zero entropy.
▪ Statistical or microscopic definition of entropy:
S = k ln W
where, S = the entropy,
k = Boltzmann constant, → When T = 0, W = 1
W = the number of microstates or S = k lnW
the total number of ways a =0
molecular state can be distributed  if the value zero is ascribed to the entropies of elements
over the energy states for a specific in their perfect crystalline form at T = 0, then all perfect
value of total energy. crystalline compounds also have zero entropy at T = 0
➢ Third law of thermodynamics:
The entropy of all perfect crystalline substances is zero at T = 0. 32
 Module 1

B. Chemical Kinetics

33
 What is Chemical kinetics?

➢ Chemical kinetics is the branch of chemistry which deals with the study of
rates (or fastness) of chemical reactions, the factors affecting it and the
mechanism by which the reactions proceed.

The rate of a chemical reaction might depend on variables such as

❖ pressure,
❖ temperature, and
❖ the presence of a catalyst,

It is to be contrasted with thermodynamics, which deals with the direction in

which a process occurs but in itself tells nothing about its rate

34
 The rates of reactions
➢ The change in concentration of reactants or products per unit time.

➢ Here, the instantaneous rate of disappearance of one of the reactants (A or B) at

a given time, t (at constant volume) is −d[R]/dt. Similarly, the rate of formation of
one of the products is d[P]/dt. (Note the change in the sign)

➢ The negative sign indicates that the concentration is decreasing with time.

35
 The rates of reactions

Consider a general reaction,

A+B→C

The rate of reaction will be:

d A d B d C 
− =− =
dt dt dt

Consider another general reaction:

aA + bB → cC + dD
where a, b, c d are stoichiometric coefficients

The rate of reaction will be:

− 1 d A 1 d B 1 d C  1 d D

=− = =
a dt b dt c dt d dt
36
 The rates of reactions
Sample Questions:
Write rate expressions for the following reactions:

1. NO2 (g) + CO (g) → NO (g) + CO2 (g)

2. 2HI (g) → H2 (g) + I2 (g)

Solution:

d NO2  d CO  d NO  d CO2 

1. − =− = =
dt dt dt dt

2. 1 d HI  d H 2  d I 2 
− = =
2 dt dt dt

37
 Rate laws and rate constants

➢ The rate law is the relationship between the rate and the concentration, which
are related by a proportionality constant k, known as rate constant.
aA + bB → cC + dD

rate = k [A]m[B]n

where m and n are order of reaction in A and B, respectively k is the rate constant.

This above equation is called the rate law of the reaction.

38
 Rate laws and rate constants
➢ Important points about rate laws and rate constant:

✓ Rate law is a result of experimental observation. You CANNOT look at the stoichiometry of
the reaction and predict the rate law (unless the reaction is an elementary reaction).

✓ rate = k[A]m[B]n

✓ The rate constant is independent of the concentrations but depends on the temperature.

✓ The units for k vary. Determine units for k by considering units for rate and for concentration.

39
 Order of a reaction

A+B→C

For rate = k[A]m[B]n

Where, m is the order of reaction in A, n is the order of reaction in B. m
and n can be integers, fractions, negative or positive.

The overall reaction order is the sum of the exponents in the rate law.

✓ m=0 (Zero order k[A]0)

✓ m=1 (First order k[A]1)
✓ m=2 (Second order k[A]2)

Examples:
H2 + Cl2 → 2HCl. Rate = k[H2]0 [Cl2]0 (Zero order)
SO2Cl2(g) → SO2(g) + Cl2(g) Rate = k[SO2Cl2]1 (First order)
NO2 → 2 NO + O2 Rate = k[NO2]2 (Second order)
2NO(g) + 2H2(g) → 2N2 (g) + 2H2O (g) Rate = k[NO]2 [H2]1 (Third order)
CH3COOC2H5 + H2O → CH3COOH + C2H5OH Rate = [CH3COOC2H5]1[H2O]0 (pseudo-first-order)

40
 Pseudo First Order Reaction
➢ A pseudo first-order reaction can be defined as a second-order or bimolecular
reaction that is made to behave like a first-order reaction.
➢ This reaction occurs when one reacting material is present in great excess or is
maintained at a constant concentration compared with the other substance.
A+B→C

So, if component B is in large excess and the concentration of B is very high as

compared to that of A, the reaction is considered to be a pseudo-first-order reaction
with respect to A and if component A is in large excess and the concentration of A is very
high as compared to that of B, the reaction is considered to be pseudo-first order with
respect to B.

For example:
CH3COOC2H5 + H2O → CH3COOH + C2H5OH

Rate = k [CH3COOC2H5]

The concentration of water is very high and thus does not change much during
the course of the reaction.
41
 Integrated rate laws
Since rate laws are in differential form, we must integrate them to find out the concentration as
a function of time.

Integrated first-order rate law:

A→B
d A
Rate = − = k A
dt

Separate concentration and time terms

d  A
= −kdt
A
Integrating over the limits [A]0 to [A]t and 0 to t,
d  A
 A = −k  dt
d  A
[ A ]t t


[ A ]0
 A
= −k  dt
0

ln At − ln A0 = −kt

42
Continue….
 Integrated rate laws
ln At = −kt + ln A0 Straight line equation (y = mx+c)

If we plot ln [A]t versus time, then we will get a straight line having negative
slope (-k). Rate constants can be determined from experiment by plotting data
in this manner.

43
 Integrated rate laws
Other forms:

ln
At = −kt
A0
At = e − kt
A0
At = A0 e −kt
Integrated first order rate law

The exponential decay of the reactant in

a first-order reaction. The larger the rate
constant, the more rapid the decay.

44
 Integrated rate laws
Question: The variation in the partial pressure of azomethane with time was
followed at 600 K, with the results given below. Confirm that the decomposition
is first-order in azomethane, and find the rate constant at 600 K.
CH3N2CH3 (g) → CH3CH3 (g) + N2 (g)

Solution: To confirm that a reaction is first-order, plot

ln([A]t/[A]0) against time and expect a straight line. Because
the partial pressure of a gas is proportional to its
concentration, an equivalent procedure is to plot ln(p/p0)
against t.
First, convert p into ln(p/p0) and draw the graph. The plot is
straight, confirming a first-order reaction, and its slope is -
3.610-4.
Therefore, k = 3.6 10-4 s-1.
45
 First-order Half-life
Half-life is the time it takes for the original concentration to be reduced by half.
From above:
ln
At = −kt
A0
 A0 
 
 2 
ln = −ktt / 2
A0
1
ln = −ktt / 2
2
− 0.693 = −ktt / 2
t t / 2 = 0.693 / k

It is clear from the result that the half-life of a reactant is independent of its
initial concentration for a first-order reaction. Therefore, if the concentration of A
at some arbitrary stage of the reaction is [A], then it will have fallen to 1/2[A]
after a further interval of (ln 2)/k.
46
 First-order Half-life
Another important point to note is the time constant, τ (tau), the time required
for the concentration of a reactant to fall to 1/e of its initial value.

Thus, the time constant of a first-order reaction is the reciprocal of the rate
constant.

Question:
1. The half-life of a first-order reaction was found to be 10 min at a certain
temperature. What is its rate constant?

Solution: k= 0.693/600s = 0.00115s-1

47
 First-order Half-life
Question:

2. If 3.0 g of substance A decomposes for 36 minutes the mass of unreacted A

remaining is found to be 0.375 g. What is the half-life of this reaction if it follows
first-order kinetics?

ln
At = −kt ln
At / t = −k
Solution: A0
A0

0.375 g
ln
3g
k =−
36 min

k =0.0578 min-1

ln 2 0.693
t1 / 2 = = = 12 min
k 0.0578
48
 Integrated second-order rate law
A→B

d A
= k A
2
−
dt

d  A
= − kdt
A2
1 1
− = kt
At A0

Integrated zero-order rate law

A→B

d A
= k A
0
−
dt

At − A0 = −kt

49
 Temperature dependence of reaction rates
The rate constant of most reactions increases with increase in the temperature.

Arrhenius equation
Ea
ln k = ln A −
RT
where, A is the pre-exponential factor and Ea is the activation energy.

❖ A plot of ln k against 1/T is a straight line when the reaction follows the behavior described
by the Arrhenius equation.
❖ The higher the activation energy, the stronger the temperature dependence of the rate
constant (i.e., the steeper the slope).
❖ If a reaction has zero activation energy, its rate is independent of temperature.

If we plot the graph ln k vs 1/T, we will get the value of A

from the intercept at infinite T (i.e.; 1/T=0) and the value
of Ea from the slope.

50
 Temperature dependence of reaction rates
Questions:
1. The rate of the second-order decomposition of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) was
measured over the temperature range 700–1000 K, and the rate constants are reported
below. Find Ea and A.

Solution: First convert T in (103) and k into ln k. Now, plot ln k against 1/T. You will
obtain the following graph having slope = -22.7 and intercept 27.7.

Now, Ea = 22.7 × (8.3145 J K−1 mol−1) × 103 K = 189 kJ mol−1

A = e27.7 dm3 mol−1s−1 = 1.1 × 1012 dm3 mol−1 s−1

51
 Temperature dependence of reaction rates

2. The values of rate constants for a reaction are 9.51x10-9 L/mol.s and
1.10x10-5 L/mol.s at temperatures 500K and 600 K respectively. Calculate
the activation energy.

Solution: k E 1 1
ln 2 = − a  − 
k1 R  T2 T1 
−1
k 1 1
Ea = − R ln 2  − 
k1  T2 T1 

After substituting the given values and calculating,

Ea= 176 kJ/mol

52
Energy barrier: interpretation of Arrhenius parameters

Ea
ln k = ln A −
RT
One can rewrite the above equation as:

Ea
−
k = Ae RT

To interpret Ea, lets us consider the collision between molecules of

reactants A and B:

Collision theory:
1. The rate of a reaction is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions:
2. The reacting species must collide in an orientation that allows contact
between the atoms that will become bonded together in the product.
3. The collision must occur with adequate energy to permit mutual
penetration of the reacting species’ valence shells so that the electrons
can rearrange and form new bonds (and new chemical species).
53
 Collision theory

❖ But all the collision will not lead to the product. Only the molecules which
are having sufficient energy (E  Ea) can cross the energy barrier.

❖ The minimum energy necessary to form a product during a collision

between reactants is called the activation energy (Ea).

❖ The kinetic energy of reactant molecules plays an important role in a

reaction because the energy necessary to form a product is provided by a
collision of a reactant molecule with another reactant molecule.

❖ If the activation energy is much larger than the average kinetic energy of the
molecules, the reaction will occur slowly: Only a few fast-moving molecules
will have enough energy to react.

❖ If the activation energy is much smaller than the average kinetic energy of
the molecules, the fraction of molecules possessing the necessary kinetic
energy will be large; most collisions between molecules will result in
reaction, and the reaction will occur rapidly.

54
 Collision theory

❖ The potential energy rises to a maximum and

the cluster of atoms that corresponds to the
region close to the maximum is called the
activated complex.

❖ After the maximum, the potential energy falls

as the atoms rearrange in the cluster and
reaches a value characteristic of the products.

❖ The peak of the potential energy corresponds

to the activation energy Ea..This crucial
configuration is called the transition state of
the reaction.

❖ The pre-exponential factor is a measure of the A potential energy profile for

rate at which collisions occur irrespective of an exothermic reaction. The
their energy. Hence, the product of A and the height of the barrier between
exponential factor, e−Ea/RT, gives the rate of the reactants and products is
successful collisions. the activation energy of the
reaction.
55
 Collision theory

Both postulates of the collision theory of reaction rates are accommodated

in the Arrhenius equation. The frequency factor A is related to the rate at
which collisions having the correct orientation occur. The exponential term
is related to the fraction of collisions providing adequate energy to
overcome the activation barrier of the reaction.

56
 Collision theory
Quantitatively, for two reactions at the same temperature
✓ The reaction with the higher activation energy has the lower rate constant and the
Ea
−
slower rate. The larger value of Ea results in a smaller value for e RT
reflecting the

smaller fraction of molecules with enough energy to react.

✓ The reaction with the smaller Ea has a larger fraction of molecules with enough
Ea
−
energy to react. This will be reflected as a larger value of e
RT
, a larger rate

constant, and a faster rate for the reaction.

(a) As the activation energy of a reaction decreases, the number of molecules with at least this much energy increases, as shown
by the shaded areas.
(b) At a higher temperature, T2, more molecules have kinetic energies greater than Ea, as shown by the yellow shaded area. 57
 Module 1

C. Catalysis

58
 Catalysis
The science and technology of catalysis is of great significance as it affects our daily
life. Four major sectors of the world economy; petroleum and energy production,
chemicals and polymer production, food industry and pollution control, involve
catalytic processes.

59
 Definition of Catalysis
“A catalyst is a chemical entity which by virtue of its presence in a
reacting system increases or decreases the rate of the reaction, itself
remaining unchanged in chemical properties or mass at the end of a
reaction.”

The phenomenon of alteration of the rate of a reaction by a catalyst is

known catalysis.

The term catalysis, proposed in 1835 by Jöns Jakob Berzelius (1779-

1848), comes from the Greek words kata meaning down and lyein
meaning loosen.

The economic significance of the catalyst industry is enormous. The

catalytic processes contribute greater than 30-40% of global GDP. The
global catalyst market size was estimated at USD 34.0 billion in 2019 and
is expected to reach USD 35.1 billion in 2020. 60
Characteristics of Catalysts

(1) The catalyst remains unchanged (in mass and chemical

composition) in the reaction.

(2) A small quantity of the catalyst is required.

(3) The catalyst does not change the equilibrium constant but the
equilibrium approaches earlier.

61
 Catalytic reactions

Catalysts work by providing alternative mechanism involving a

different transition state of lower energy. Thereby, the activation
energy* of the catalytic reaction is lowered compared to the
uncatalyzed reaction as shown in Figure below:

Figure: Schematic diagram to illustrate the effect of catalyst on activation energy of reactions. 62
 Types of catalysis

Following are the main types of catalysis:

1. Heterogeneous catalysis

2. Homogeneous catalysis

3. Enzyme catalysis

63
1. Heterogeneous catalysis
If the catalyst is present in a different phase than the reactants is
called heterogeneous catalyst and the phenomenon is known
heterogeneous catalysis.

In heterogeneous catalysis the reactions take place at the interface of

two phases. The catalyst is, often a solid and adsorbs a liquid or a
gas. This type of catalysis is of great importance in many industrial
processes.

Figure: Schematic diagram to illustrate the heterogeneous catalysis. 64

 Examples of Heterogeneous catalyst
(a) Manufacture of ammonia by the Haber process. Iron (Fe) acts as catalyst.

N2 (g) + 3H3 (g) → 2NH3 (g)

(b) Manufacture of sulphuric acid by the Contact process. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5)
or platinum are catalysts for the production of SO3 (g) from SO2 (g) and O2 (g).

2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2SO3 (g)

(c) Catalysts used in many reactions in the petroleum and polymer industries. There
are cases of heterogeneous catalysis where a reaction in the liquid phase is
catalysed by a substance in the solid state. An example is the decomposition of
H2O2 (aqueous) by MnO2 (s).

2H2O2 (aq) → 2 H2O (l) + O2 (g)

(d) Examples of reactions in which both the reactant and the catalyst are in the
solid phase. The decomposition of KClO3 is catalysed by solid MnO2.
2 KClO3 (s) → 2KCl (s) + 3O2 (g) 65
2. Homogeneous catalysis
In a reaction, if the catalyst is present in the same phase as the
reactants, it is called a homogeneous catalyst and the phenomenon
is homogeneous catalysis. Such catalysis can take place in gaseous
reaction or reactions in solution.

These chemicals help in attaining the equilibrium more quickly by

increasing the rates of both the forward and reverse reactions to an
extent.

Figure: Schematic diagram to illustrate the homogeneous catalysis. 66

Examples of homogeneous catalysis in the gas phase

(a) Oxidation of sulphur dioxide, SO2, by oxygen to sulphur trioxide,

SO3, in presence of nitric oxide, NO, in the Chamber Process for
sulphuric acid manufacture.
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2SO3 (g)
here, NO acts as a catalyst.

(b) The following reaction in the gas phase is catalyzed by traces of

chlorine gas, particularly in presence of light.
2N2O (g) → 2N2 (g) + O2 (g)
In presence of light chlorine forms chlorine radicals, which react with
N2O forming the intermediate radical ClO*. The proposed mechanism
is:
Step 1: N2O (g) + Cl* (g) → N2 (g) + ClO*(g)
Step 2: 2ClO*(g) → Cl2 (g) + O2 (g) 67
Examples of homogeneous catalysis in the solution phase

(a) Hydrolysis of ester in the presence of acid and alkali:

CH3COOC2H5 (l) + H2O (l) → CH3COOH (aq) + C2H5OH (aq)

(b) Hydrolysis of sucrose (cane sugar) into glucose and fructose in

presence of minerals acids acting as catalysts:

C12H22O11 (aq) + H2O (l) → C6H12O6 (aq) + C6H12O6 (aq)

(cane sugar) (glucose) (fructose)

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D. Enzyme catalysis
Michaelis-Menton mechanism

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 Enzymes
❑ Enzymes are protein-based molecules that can process
certain chemical reactions

❑ These reactions occur at a localized site, called the active

site, at the rate much faster than a normal chemical reaction.

❑ Substrate is the molecule that fits into the active site of the
enzyme and undergoes transformation to a product.

❑ Example of an enzyme catalysed reaction is catalase that

converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. It is an
important enzyme protecting the cell from oxidative damage
by reactive oxygen species (ROS)

H2O2 → H2O + O2
Molecular structure of Catalase
Reaction catalysed by the enzyme, catalase

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 Mechanism of enzyme-catalyzed reactions
❑ Enzyme-catalyzed reactions work
in a lock and key fashion.

❑ The substrate uniquely fits like a

key into the active site of the
enzyme, forming a lock-key
complex.

❑ The substrate is converted into the

product by the enzyme at the
active site.

❑ The product is then released from

the active site.

Enzyme-catalyzed reactions are significantly faster than uncatalyzed or chemically catalyzed reactions
because enzymes lower the activation energy of the reaction more effectively than other catalysts. This is
achieved by precisely positioning substrates, stabilizing the transition state, and providing a more
favorable reaction environment.
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 Enzymes’ effect on the activation energy
❑ Enzymes lower the activation energy for reactions. The
lower the activation energy, the faster the rate of the
reactions.

❑ For example: the enzyme catalase reduces the

activation energy for the decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide to 8 kJ mol-1, corresponding to an acceleration
of the reaction by a factor of 1015 at 298 K.

❑ A generic equation for the complex formation is as

follows:

E+S ES P+E

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Michaelis-Menten equation
❑ Michaelis-Menten equation is a commonly used model that assumes that the concentration of the
enzyme remains constant.

❑ The enzyme reacts with the substrate for form an enzyme-substrate complex, which leads to the
synthesis of the product and the release of the enzyme

ka kb
E+S ES P+E
ka ’

❑ Where, ka is the rate of formation of ES, ka’ is the rate of dissociation of ES, and kb is the rate of
formation of P from ES.

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 Michaelis-Menten Mechanism
One of the earliest descriptions of the action of enzymes is the Michaelis-Menten mechanism. The
proposed mechanism, with all species in an aqueous environment, is as follows.

Step 1: The bimolecular formation of a combination, ES, of the enzyme E and the substrate S:
E + S → ES Rate of formation of ES = ka[E][S]

Step 2: Unimolecular decomposition of the complex:

ES → E + S Rate of decomposition of ES = ka’[ES]

Step 3: The unimolecular formation of products P and the release of the enzyme from its combination
with the substrate:
ES → P + E Rate of decomposition of ES = kb[ES]

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Derivation
Since the product P is formed irreversibly, according to the rate law, the rate of formation of the
product P is
Rate of formation of P = kb[ES]

Since the net rate of formation of [ES] is zero, we can write the following:

Net rate of formation of ES = ka[E][S] - ka’[ES] - kb[ES] = 0

So
,

However, [E] and [S] are the molar concentrations of the free enzyme and free substrate. If [E]0 is the
total concentration of enzyme, then [E] + [ES] = [E]0 and we can replace [E] in this expression by [E]0
− [ES]. Therefore,

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 Derivation
Multiplication by (ka′+kb) gives first

And then,

Division by ka turns this expression into

We recognize the first term inside the parentheses as KM, so this expression rearranges to

{1.1}

Where KM is the Michaelis constant (having the dimension of concentration), so

{1.2}

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