Thermodynamics Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions FREE PDF Download
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 Thermodynamics
1. What are the different types of thermodynamic systems in Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions?
The three main types of thermodynamic systems are:
- Open system: Exchanges both matter and energy with surroundings.
- Closed system: Exchanges energy but not matter with surroundings.
- Isolated system: Does not exchange matter or energy with surroundings.
2. How is the first law of thermodynamics applied in chemical processes according to NCERT Solutions?
The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. In chemical processes:
- It accounts for energy changes as heat (q) and work (w).
- Internal energy change (∆U) = q + w, allowing calculation of energy transfer during reactions.
- At constant pressure, enthalpy change (∆H) measures heat absorbed or released.
3. What is enthalpy, and how does it differ from internal energy in Thermodynamics Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions?
Enthalpy (H) is a thermodynamic property defined as H = U + pV, where U is internal energy, p is pressure, and V is volume.
- Internal energy measures total energy within a system.
- Enthalpy includes both internal energy and energy required to make space for the system by displacing surroundings.
- In solutions, enthalpy change (∆H) typically represents heat exchanged at constant pressure, distinct from ∆U at constant volume.
4. How do NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 explain the concept of spontaneous processes?
A spontaneous process is one that occurs naturally under given conditions without external intervention. According to NCERT Solutions:
- Spontaneity is dictated by Gibbs free energy change (∆G).
- If ∆G is negative, the process is spontaneous.
- It depends on enthalpy (∆H), entropy (∆S), and temperature (T): ∆G = ∆H - T∆S.
5. In the context of NCERT Solutions, what is the significance of entropy in thermodynamic calculations?
Entropy (S) measures the degree of disorder or randomness in a system. NCERT Solutions stress that:
- Change in entropy (∆S) helps determine direction and spontaneity of reactions.
- A positive ∆S indicates increased disorder, often favoring spontaneity.
- It is key in calculating Gibbs free energy and in understanding the second law of thermodynamics, which states that total entropy of an isolated system always increases in a spontaneous process.
6. How can you use NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 to solve enthalpy of reaction problems?
To solve enthalpy of reaction problems:
- Identify the types of enthalpy (combustion, formation, atomization, etc.).
- Apply the principle: Reaction enthalpy equals sum of enthalpies of products minus those of reactants.
- Use provided equations and molar values, as detailed in stepwise solutions in the NCERT textbook.
7. Why does the first law of thermodynamics not predict spontaneity, according to Chapter 5?
The first law deals only with energy conservation, not the direction of processes.
- It cannot predict whether a reaction will occur; it tells only the total energy change (∆U or ∆H).
- Prediction of spontaneity requires consideration of entropy and free energy (∆G), forming the basis of the second law of thermodynamics discussed in Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 Solutions.
8. What is thermodynamic equilibrium, as explained in the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5?
Thermodynamic equilibrium occurs when the properties of a system (temperature, pressure, chemical composition) remain constant over time without flow of matter or energy. At this state:
- No net change is seen in macroscopic properties.
- Both thermal, mechanical, and chemical equilibrium must be satisfied.
- Solutions emphasize diagnosing equilibrium via ∆G = 0.
9. How do the NCERT Solutions use calorimetry for the measurement of ∆U and ∆H?
Calorimetry measures heat change during chemical or physical processes.
- ∆U is measured at constant volume (bomb calorimeter).
- ∆H is typically measured at constant pressure (coffee-cup calorimeter).
- NCERT Solutions guide students to relate observed temperature changes, heat absorbed or released, and the mass/moles involved, utilizing q = mc∆T and related formulas in stepwise solutions.
10. What is Gibbs free energy, and how does it predict the spontaneity of a reaction in Chapter 5 NCERT Solutions?
Gibbs free energy (G) is a criterion for spontaneity at constant pressure and temperature:
- G = H - TS, where H is enthalpy, T is temperature, and S is entropy.
- ∆G < 0: reaction is spontaneous; ∆G > 0: non-spontaneous; ∆G = 0: equilibrium.
- Solutions demonstrate calculation for various conditions using examples from the NCERT exercise and in-text problems.
11. How does temperature affect the spontaneity of reactions, as shown in the NCERT Solutions?
Temperature directly influences the sign and value of ∆G (Gibbs free energy):
- For exothermic reactions (∆H negative), higher temperatures may reduce spontaneity if ∆S is negative.
- For endothermic reactions (∆H positive), spontaneous behavior is more likely at higher temperature if ∆S is positive.
- NCERT Solutions provide worked examples for boundary T values where spontaneity switches, using the equation ∆G = ∆H - T∆S.
12. Why are state functions important in Thermodynamics, as highlighted by NCERT Solutions?
State functions (e.g., internal energy, enthalpy, entropy) depend only on the state of the system and not the path taken. They are crucial because:
- Their values allow for simplified calculation of energy changes between defined states.
- NCERT Solutions leverage this property to efficiently solve problems without considering detailed steps of each process.
13. How does the NCERT Solution for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5 treat misconceptions about heat and work in thermodynamic processes?
Misconceptions often arise regarding:
- Heat and work both being forms of energy transfer, not stored in the system.
- Work can have positive or negative values depending on direction of transfer (work done by the system is negative).
- NCERT Solutions clarify these by emphasizing the correct sign conventions and differentiating heat absorbed (positive) from work done by or on the system, using real calculation examples.
14. How do NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5 Class 11 Chemistry prepare students for CBSE exams?
NCERT Solutions:
- Use the exact CBSE 2025–26 syllabus pattern.
- Follow a stepwise, concept-driven approach with sample and previous year problems.
- Focus on key areas like enthalpy changes, spontaneity, calorimetry, and application of laws.
- Provide clear explanations and justifications for each answer, building exam-ready conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills.
15. What are the limitations of the first law of thermodynamics as pointed out in NCERT Solutions?
The main limitations are:
- The first law tells if and how much energy is transferred, but not the direction (doesn’t predict spontaneity).
- It cannot explain why some reactions happen and others don't even if energy changes are favorable.
- This gap is addressed by the second law of thermodynamics, which considers entropy and free energy, as explained in NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry Chapter 5.

















