Free Energy Functions: A Physiological Perspective

The video discusses the relevance of Gibbs and Helmholtz free energy in chemistry, focusing on why Gibbs free energy is more commonly used, especially in biological systems. It explains the conditions under which each type of free energy is applicable, emphasizing the constancy of temperature and pressure in biological systems, which makes Gibbs free energy more suitable. The video also covers the calculation of Gibbs free energy using a simple equation involving the equilibrium constant.

Why is Gibbs free energy more commonly used than Helmholtz free energy in chemistry?

• Because it is easier to control pressure in the lab

• Because Gibbs free energy is more accurate

• Because Helmholtz free energy is outdated

• Because it is easier to control volume in the lab

In biological systems, why is temperature considered constant?

• Because temperature changes are too small to measure

• Because cells do not exchange heat

• Because cells are isolated from external environments

• Because the body has mechanisms to maintain a constant temperature

What is a key reason for using Gibbs free energy in biological systems?

• Volume is constant in biological systems

• Pressure and temperature are constant in biological systems

• Gibbs free energy is easier to calculate

• Helmholtz free energy is not applicable to biological systems

How does volume change in cells affect the choice of free energy function?

• Volume changes make Gibbs free energy more suitable

• Volume changes are irrelevant in biological systems

• Volume changes make Helmholtz free energy more suitable

• Volume changes do not affect the choice

What is required to calculate Gibbs free energy at equilibrium?

• The volume of the system

• The equilibrium constant and temperature

• The concentration of reactants

• The pressure of the system