Past exam of the chemistry course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / Paper 1 / 4 / a

Let $G$ be Gibbs free energy, $H$ enthalpy and $T$ thermodynamic temperature for a fixed amount and composition of material, with the derivative taken at constant pressure. Apply the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation to the standard molar reaction quantities, obtained by summing product minus reactant contributions with their stoichiometric coefficients:Define $K(T)$ as the dimensionless thermodynamic equilibrium constant expressed using activities in specified standard states. Since ${\Delta }_r{G}^{\circ }=-RT\ln K$, where $R$ is the molar gas constant,If the reaction enthalpy is constant over the interval, integration givesThis is the requested Van't Hoff equation. For an exothermic reaction, increasing temperature decreases $K$. Although the name “isochore” is often used in this context, the displayed enthalpy form follows from standard Gibbs energies and the stated constant-pressure Gibbs–Helmholtz identity; the analogous ideal-gas concentration form involves internal energy when the temperature dependence of standard concentration is retained.