On the derivation of the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation

Abstract

Based on a real event in the classroom during the physical chemistry course for undergraduate students, a new derivation is presented for the proof of the Gibbs–Helmholtz equation. Tried in subsequent years, it received positive reflection from chemistry BSc students proving that this straightforward derivation, which leads from the definition of G to the final expression in five steps, is more easily comprehensible. At the same time it helps the instructor to shed light—based on their temperature dependence—on the relationship between thermodynamic state functions.