Jack Westin MCAT Podcast MCAT Thermodynamics & Electrochemistry
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Jun 26, 2025 Dive into the captivating world of thermodynamics and electrochemistry! Discover the intriguing concepts of Gibbs Free Energy and reduction potentials. Learn about redox reactions, spontaneity, and how electrochemical cells operate. Delve into real MCAT examples, like the electron transport chain and the significance of enthalpy and entropy. Gain insights on balancing half-reactions, predicting redox outcomes, and the crucial role of salt bridges in batteries. This engaging discussion is perfect for mastering key science concepts!
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How To Read Reduction Potentials
- Reduction potential measures how much a species wants to gain electrons relative to hydrogen.
- The more positive reduction potential is reduced when paired with a lower potential partner.
Convert Half-Reactions Correctly
- Flip a reduction half-reaction to make it an oxidation by swapping reactants and products.
- Then change the sign of its potential to get the oxidation potential before combining half-reactions.
Delta G Determines Spontaneity
- Delta G compares product and reactant energies to decide spontaneity.
- Negative ÎG is spontaneous (energy released); positive ÎG is non-spontaneous (energy required).