MCAT CHEM7 Kaplan Review | 100+ Questions | Thermodynamics, Gibbs Free Energy, Enthalpy, Entropy

This expert-verified Kaplan MCAT CHEM7 review contains 100+ Q&A flashcards that simplify core thermodynamics principles for the MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations section. Designed for pre-med students, this resource covers essential definitions, key equations, and system behaviors, emphasizing problem-solving strategies related to Gibbs free energy (ΔG), enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and spontaneity. Topics include: Types of thermodynamic systems: isolated (no energy/matter exchange), closed (only energy exchange), open (energy and matter exchange) Four main thermodynamic processes: Isothermal (ΔT = 0) Adiabatic (Q = 0) Isobaric (constant P) Isochoric/isovolumetric (constant V) State functions: pressure, volume, temperature, enthalpy, entropy, free energy Phase changes and phase diagrams: triple point, critical point, and transitions like sublimation and deposition Heat vs temperature: Heat is total thermal energy Temperature is average kinetic energy q = mcΔT (no phase change) q = mL (during phase change) Enthalpy (ΔH): Potential energy in chemical bonds Use of Hess’s Law and ΔH formation values Distinctions between specific heat (c) and heat capacity (mc) Entropy (ΔS): Measure of disorder Follows the trend: gases > liquids > solids ΔS increases with energy dispersal or heat flow Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG): ΔG = ΔH – TΔS ΔG < 0 = spontaneous ΔG > 0 = non-spontaneous ΔG = 0 = equilibrium Temperature dependence on spontaneity analyzed using ±ΔH and ±ΔS combinations Standard state calculations: ΔG° = –RT ln Keq ΔG = ΔG° + RT ln(Q/Keq) Energy equations: ΔU = Q – W ΔS = Qrev / T PV = nRT (ideal gas link) Bond enthalpy equation: ΔH = ΣΔHbroken – ΣΔHformed Graphs: Pressure vs volume process recognition Energy diagrams for exergonic and endergonic reactions Ideal for: MCAT preparation involving thermodynamic reasoning and calculation Students in General Chemistry, Intro to Thermodynamics, Physical Chemistry, or Biophysics Keywords: thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy, phase change, heat vs temperature, isothermal, adiabatic, isobaric, isochoric, calorimetry, specific heat, heat capacity, spontaneous reaction, equilibrium, ΔG equation, Hess's Law, heat of formation, PV work, reaction spontaneity, standard state, ln Keq, MCAT chemistry, Kaplan CHEM7