Safety boundary
Use supplied graphs and calculations only. No new reactive chemistry is required.
Explicit chemistry instruction
Thermodynamic favorability depends on ΔG; equilibrium occurs where net driving force vanishes; kinetics controls rate.
Temperature can shift favorability because it scales the entropy term.
A complete explanation states conditions and keeps direction separate from speed.
Vocabulary: thermodynamics; equilibrium; kinetics; temperature; driving force.
Worked example
A reaction can have ΔG<0 yet proceed slowly if the activation barrier is large.
Guided question
Write a five-sentence explanation separating ΔG, K/equilibrium, and activation energy.
Independent work
- Solve one ΔG problem.
- Interpret one temperature effect.
- Contrast rate with direction.
- Record one correction.
Spiral retrieval bridge
- From Week 25: separate entropy, enthalpy, and kinetics.
- From Week 24: distinguish state function from pathway.
- From Week 27: identify which perturbation changes an equilibrium constant.
Misconception check
Thermodynamic favorability and reaction speed are different dimensions of behavior.
Formative check
Which model addresses how fast a reaction occurs?
Reveal response
Kinetics and activation-energy models.
Mentor evidence conference
Ask Archaemenes to audit signs, units, thermodynamic conditions, and whether rate/direction are being kept distinct.
Teacher guidance
Foundation: Use a concept-separation table.
Core: Integrate ΔG with equilibrium.
Extended: Connect thermodynamics and kinetics quantitatively.