Thermodynamics

[osimsDDS]

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When we are dealing with stability, lets say a chlorine atom gains an electron to fulfill its octet and therefore becomes stable, would that be considered an exothermic thermodynamic process, because if you think about it when chlorine gains that electron it is becoming more stable and releasing energy, more stable = less energy....

correct me if iam wrong

 

[jdent]

Yeah you hit it on the nail. That explains why they want that electron, to become more stable- less energy.

 

[osimsDDS]

now how about Li when it loses an electron...is that still an exothermic process, its become more stable...

 

[jdent]

Why not- look at it over all lets say an Li comes together with the Cl- overall the reaction is exothermic both are becoming more stable.

 

[osimsDDS]

last question, covalent is stronger than ionic??? why tho...

 

[jdent]

First- keep the questions coming I like them.
Think about it like this in ionic bonds there is a transfer of electrons- therefore the force holding them together is just an electrostatic/magnetic type force. positive to a negative. However by a covalent there is no transfer, its sharing. Picture two people holding a metal pole together- they both have a firm grip on it. However a magnet on a fridge its attached but, you can easily overpower the force. And of course the h-bond ismuch weaker and then the rest.

 

[osimsDDS]

o very nice i get that now, thanks a lot...

hmmm i dunno if i have any more questions haha...ill try to think of some and post later, im gonna take a break from studying and go do a sky diving simulation thing in SF (the wind tunnel thing its awesome everyone should do it, its hella fun).