Question

What does the term "standard state" mean? What are the standard states of the following substances at \(298 \mathrm{K}: \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) \(\mathrm{NaCl}, \mathrm{Hg}, \mathrm{CH}_{4} ?\)

Short answer

Standard state refers to the most stable form of a substance at 298 K and 1 atm: H2O is liquid, NaCl is solid, Hg is liquid, and CH4 is gas.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Standard State

The term "standard state" refers to the physical state of a substance under certain standard conditions. It is usually defined at a pressure of 1 atmosphere (atm) and a specified temperature, typically 25 degrees Celsius (298 K). For a given substance, the standard state is the most stable form under these conditions.

Standard State of Water (H2O)

At 298 K, the standard state of water ( H_2O ) is liquid. This is because at room temperature and pressure, liquid water is its most stable phase.

Standard State of Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

For sodium chloride ( NaCl ), the standard state at 298 K is solid. NaCl is most stable as a crystalline ionic solid at room temperature.

Standard State of Mercury (Hg)

Mercury ( Hg ) is unique among metals for being a liquid at standard conditions. Thus, at 298 K, the standard state of mercury is liquid.

Standard State of Methane (CH4)

Methane ( CH_4 ) is a gas at 298 K under standard conditions, which is the most stable phase for this substance at room temperature.

Key concepts

Physical State

The term "physical state" refers to the form a substance takes under specific conditions, typically classified as solid, liquid, or gas. Each state has distinct properties:

• Solids: Defined shape and volume, strong intermolecular forces, and particles closely packed together.
• Liquids: Defined volume but no fixed shape, moderate intermolecular forces, and particles that are less tightly packed than in solids.
• Gases: No fixed shape or volume, weak intermolecular forces, and particles that are widely spaced apart.

Each substance will adopt a physical state that reflects its most energetically favorable condition under given conditions. The standard state of a substance represents its physical state at a specific temperature and pressure, typically reflecting its form at 298 K and 1 atm.

Standard Conditions

"Standard conditions" are a set of reference norms for scientific measurements to ensure consistency and comparability. Specifically, these conditions are defined as a pressure of 1 atmosphere (atm) and a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius (298 K). These conditions were chosen because they are close to average room temperature, making it easier to conduct experiments consistently around the world. Using standard conditions simplifies the study of chemical reactions and physical changes, allowing scientists to predict and compare results without discrepancies attributed to differing experimental setups. Clarity on whether substances are measured under standard conditions is crucial when observing their properties, such as conductivity, solubility, or reaction rates.

Most Stable Form

The term "most stable form" refers to the physical configuration in which a substance's potential energy is minimized at a given temperature and pressure. This ensures that the substance doesn't spontaneously change phases or forms. For instance, water ( H_2O ) is most stable as a liquid at 298 K; sodium chloride ( NaCl ) is most stable as a crystalline solid, mercury ( Hg ) is most stable as a liquid, and methane ( CH_4 ) is most stable as a gas. Each substance adopts this form because it requires less energy to maintain than an alternative phase under standard conditions.

Pressure

Pressure, in scientific context, refers to the force exerted by particles colliding with the walls of a container or surrounding environment. Measured in units like atmospheres (atm) or Pascals (Pa), pressure affects the state of matter in significant ways. For a given substance, increasing pressure can force particles closer together, causing gases to condense into liquids or liquids into solids. Conversely, reducing pressure can allow a substance to expand and transition to a less dense state. For example, under standard conditions, mercury remains liquid despite being a metal because its stable phase at 1 atm of pressure allows its atoms the necessary mobility.

Temperature

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance. It determines how vigorously these particles move and collide. In standard state definitions, temperature is commonly set at 25 degrees Celsius, or 298 K. The standard temperature is a crucial factor in determining the physical state of a substance because it dictates the energy available to overcome forces holding particles together. For example, methane is a gas at 298 K due to its molecular structure having enough kinetic energy to remain dispersed. Thus, temperature plays a vital role in defining which state is the most stable under standard conditions, influencing everything from how substances chemically react to their phase transitions.